Choosing the Right Copilot for You
Microsoft offers two AI tools under the “Copilot” brand that are available to UH users: Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot. While both are built on the same underlying AI technology, each offers different features and integrations. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison to help you understand what each tool can do, how they differ, and which option may be right for your productivity, teaching, or research needs.
Copilot Chat vs. Microsoft 365 Copilot
Shared Features (Available in Both)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Security | If logged into your UH account, your data is secured from being shared or training Copilot |
| Natural Language Q&A | Ask questions in plain English and receive intelligent, conversational answers. |
| Summarization | Get summaries of documents, emails, or pasted text. |
| Task Automation | Automate repetitive tasks or processes using natural prompts. |
| Data Interpretation | Analyze and explain structured data, charts, or reports. |
| Writing Support | Generate, edit, and refine content such as emails, memos, or announcements. |
| Brainstorming Tool | Collaborate on ideas, outlines, or solutions to problems. |
| Citation and Source Linking | Provides references for facts and summaries when applicable. |
| Accessibility Friendly | Designed to support screen readers and inclusive interactions. |
| UH Branding and Security | Both are secured under University of Houston’s Microsoft environment. |
Feature Differences
| Feature | Copilot Chat | Microsoft 365 Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone AI Chat Interface Accessible in a web browser |
✔ | ✔ |
| In-app Integration with Word Rewrite or summarize documents in Word |
✘ | ✔ |
| Excel AI Insights Summarize, forecast, explain trends using data |
✘ | ✔ |
| PowerPoint Slide Generation Create slides and designs from outlines |
✘ | ✔ |
| Outlook Email Drafting Write, suggest, or refine email replies |
✘ | ✔ |
| Teams Meeting Recaps Auto-generate summaries and actions |
✘ | ✔ |
| Contextual Awareness Uses your emails and calendar for better responses |
✘ | ✔ |
| Personalization with Graph Data Tailored based on your files, chats, and meetings |
✘ | ✔ |
| Power Automate Integration Trigger workflows with natural commands |
✘ | ✔ |
| Advanced Productivity Templates Generate projects from smart templates |
✘ | ✔ |
| Copilot Studio Access Create custom copilots and apps |
✘ | ✔ |
| Custom AI Agents Design virtual assistants that handle specific tasks, answer questions, and integrate with your department’s tools and data |
✘ | ✔ |
| Advanced Prompt Chaining Build multi-step reasoning flows |
✘ | ✔ |
| Data Grounding via Connectors Connect to databases or APIs |
✘ | ✔ |
Cost
| Copilot Chat | Microsoft 365 Copilot |
|---|---|
|
Free |
$380 per license (annual) Available to UH faculty, staff, and students. Request a quote: software@uh.edu |
To learn more about Copilot for your department, contact aisolutions@uh.edu.