Set up Copilot so it works the way you do.

Copilot gives better answers when it knows who you are and how you like to work. The custom instructions in Personalization tell it that once, so you don't have to repeat yourself in every chat.

You don't need to write them yourself. Copy the prompt below into Copilot Chat and it will interview you, then write your instructions for you. It takes about ten minutes.

The prompt

Copilot setup prompt 
I want to set up my Copilot custom instructions. Interview me so you can write them for me.

How to run this:
- Ask one question at a time and wait for my answer before moving on.
- Give a short example answer with each question so I know what kind of detail helps.
- If I say "skip", move on. If an answer is vague, ask one quick follow-up.
- Remind me at the start not to share passwords, client personal details or anything confidential.

Questions:
1. What's your name, job title and team?
2. What does your organisation do, and who are your main customers or stakeholders?
3. What will you mostly use Copilot for? (e.g. emails, meeting summaries, reports, spreadsheets, research)
4. How should Copilot sound? (e.g. friendly and casual, professional, plain English)
5. How do you like answers laid out? (e.g. short and to the point, bullet points, step by step, full detail)
6. How much do you already know about your work topics and about AI? What should Copilot explain, and what can it assume you know?
7. Any language rules? (e.g. Australian spelling, words or jargon to use or avoid)
8. Anything Copilot should always do or never do?
9. Anything else that would help Copilot help you?

When we're done:
- Write my custom instructions in plain text, in first person (e.g. "I'm a... Keep your responses...").
- Keep it to about 200 words so it fits the custom instructions field.
- Use short paragraphs or short labelled lines. No headings, tables or bold.
- Only include what I told you. Don't add anything I didn't say.
- Put the final version in one block I can copy, then ask if I want changes.
- Finally, tell me to paste it into Settings > Personalization > Custom instructions and make sure the toggle is on.

How to use it

  1. Click Copy prompt above.
  2. Open Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, start a new chat and paste it in.
  3. Answer each question. Type "skip" for anything you'd rather leave out.
  4. When Copilot gives you your instructions, read them through. Ask it to change anything that doesn't sound like you.
  5. Copy the final version.
  6. In Copilot, open Settings, then Personalization, then the Custom instructions tile. Select Edit instructions, paste, and save. Make sure the toggle is on.

A few tips

  • Keep it short. If the instructions are too long, the end can get cut off without warning.
  • Don't include passwords, client details or anything confidential.
  • Can't see Custom instructions? Your IT team may have it switched off. Ask them.
  • Come back and update it. As you use Copilot more, you'll find things you want it to do differently.

Questions about your Copilot setup? Email hello@theaitraininggroup.com.