GPT-5 arrives in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft has added GPT-5 to Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio, making AI in the workplace even more powerful.

You can read the announcement and learn more from Microsoft about the introduction of GPT-5 here.

The addition of GPT-5 to Microsoft 365 Copilot brings significant improvements to how organisations can use AI in their daily work and enhances Copilot’s ability to interpret instructions, retrieve information, and support users across Microsoft 365.

If you’re not familiar with Microsoft 365 Copilot, you can learn more with our Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Improvements in everyday use

GPT-5 introduces significant upgrades to Microsoft 365 Copilot, enhancing its ability to manage intricate processes and handle substantial amounts of data. Overall, GPT-5 should help make Copilot a more reliable and context-aware assistant in the workplace.

GPT-5 enables Copilot to dynamically figure out which approach is best, based on what you’re asking of it, whether that’s delivering quick, natural responses or thoughtful, in-depth insights. This combination of speed and analytical depth should set the new generation of Copilot apart and is expected to mark a significant leap in its capabilities.

You can watch Microsoft’s video of GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot here:

Ben Davies, Head of New Business at Chorus, commented on the introduction of GPT-5:

We’re really excited about the introduction of GPT-5 to Copilot. Given how powerful M365 Copilot was already, it’s fascinating to see how it can better connect the dots for users across Microsoft 365 with an even greater depth of understanding and improved results.

Requirements for access

To use GPT-5 in Copilot, users need an eligible Microsoft 365 Copilot licence at the time of writing, but it will be rolled out to non-licensed users soon.

Practical impact

This new functionality in Microsoft 365 Copilot further reduces manual effort and allows users to save time and focus on more important work.

Ant Polson, Business Development Manager at Chorus shared a recent experience that highlights the practical benefits:

When I was preparing for a client call, Copilot automatically gathered relevant documents I’d worked on by recognising my project code structure. I hadn’t set up any rules or even prompted for this, but Copilot had deducted how project codes contained my initials and highlighted relevant documentation. That level of contextual awareness is impressive and something I would have needed to use multiple targeted prompts for previously.

Readiness and adoption

It’s important to note that adopting Microsoft 365 Copilot involves more than just enabling licences.

Organisations need to prepare for AI in the workplace properly, from reviewing data governance and security, to information architecture and AI policy development to ensure that AI tools deliver value without introducing risk.

Jason Lee, Collaboration and Information Management Lead at Chorus, commented:

Strong data governance provides a solid foundation for success with Copilot. By creating those lifecycle management policies, managing your dormant and orphaned data, identifying and managing problematic SharePoint sites, and so on, you’ll reduce data risks while ensuring that Copilot draws on your most useful and accurate content.

On the topic of where Copilot fits into the wider context of IT transformation, Ben Davies added:

The organisations that get the most from Copilot are those that see it as part of the broader Microsoft 365 transformation journey. It’s about getting your data, processes, and people ready to work in new ways. AI is actually proving an excellent catalyst for positive change, as it’s encouraging organisations to consider how they manage and access their sensitive data, which too many businesses have been putting off for far too long

Taking the next step

Organisations interested in Microsoft 365 Copilot should consider building a roadmap for Copilot adoption and AI readiness before purchasing and enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot licences.

If you’d like help identifying gaps in technical setup, data lifecycle management, and compliance, our Microsoft Copilot AI consultancy services and Copilot and Microsoft AI workshops can help you understand what you need to do to get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot and introduce AI safely into your workplace.

Get ready for Microsoft 365 Copilot with Chorus

Chorus is a Microsoft Solutions Partner in the UK. We help organisations with Microsoft 365 transformation, including preparing for Microsoft 365 Copilot and other Microsoft AI offerings. Contact us today to learn more.

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