Duke's Microsoft CoPilot

What is Copilot?

Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, formerly known as Bing Chat. It uses advanced OpenAI models (GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-5) to provide intelligent, conversational responses and assist with a wide range of tasks. Copilot is available for free to all Duke community members through our Microsoft licensing agreement.

Copilot can help you:

• Draft professional emails, announcements, code snippets, and creative content.
• Summarize, organize, and retrieve large amounts of information quickly.
• Explain concepts, create tutorials, and generate study materials for personalized learning.
• Translate multiple languages for accessibility and global communication.
• Brainstorm ideas, design assignments, and simulate student interactions for testing.
• Generate images using Microsoft Designer.

Security: Copilot operates within Microsoft’s secure Azure environment. Never enter Protected Health Information (PHI).

Limitations of Generative AI

While Copilot is powerful, keep these considerations in mind:

• Accuracy: AI may “hallucinate” or provide incorrect information. Always verify critical details.
• Bias: Responses can reflect biases present in training data.
• Coherence: Long or complex tasks may result in continuity issues.
• Novelty: AI outputs remix existing patterns; they are not purely original.
• Ethics: Be mindful of copyright, authorship, and responsible use.

Getting Started with Copilot in Any Browser

1. Visit copilot.microsoft.com.
2. Click Sign In (top-right corner).
3. Select Work/School Account and enter your Duke credentials (NetID@duke.edu).
4. Complete login via Duke’s Shibboleth screen.
5. Look for the Duke logo and green Protected label to confirm secure access.

You can start chatting immediately by choosing an example prompt or entering your own.

Unlocking Additional Features in Microsoft Edge

Copilot offers enhanced functionality in the Edge browser:

• Access Copilot from the sidebar for quick assistance.
• Summarize PDFs, long web pages, and compare product features while browsing.
• Perform contextual searches and get page-specific answers.

Download Microsoft Edge

Accessing Copilot on Mobile Devices

Download the Microsoft Copilot app:

• iPhone: App Store
• Android: Google Play Store

Sign in with your Duke credentials (NetID@duke.edu) and complete Shibboleth login.

Helpful Resources

• Microsoft Copilot Overview & FAQ
• Beginner’s Guide to Copilot
• Clinical Use Guidelines for Generative AI
• Differences Between Microsoft 365 Copilot & Copilot Chat

Important Notes

• Microsoft Copilot (Free): Available to all Duke/Duke Health users. Learn More
• Microsoft 365 Copilot (Paid): $27/month. Purchase via Software Manager. Required for Copilot in Outlook and other Office apps.

Personal funds cannot be used for Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses.

Need Help?

• Duke Health Users: DHTS Service Desk – 919-684-2243 – Technical Support
• University Users: OIT Service Desk – 919-684-2200 – Get Help