# Lab Setup:

In this module, we’ll create prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot that reference files. First, let’s upload all required files to OneDrive to ensure they’re accessible throughout the lab.

Uploading Files to OneDrive

Follow the steps below to upload all files needed to OneDrive:

  1. Log into the virtual machine provided by your tenant provider as the local Administrator account with the password Pa55w.rd.
  2. In the Windows taskbar, select Microsoft Edge.
  3. In the address bar, enter https://www.office.com.
  4. Under Welcome to Microsoft 365, select Sign in.
  5. At the Sign-in prompt, enter userx@yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com (username and tenant provided by your tenant provided) and select Next.
  6. At the Enter password screen, enter the password (provided by tenant provider) for the User account, then select Sign in.
  7. If prompted to Stay signed in, select Don’t show this again and then Yes.
  8. In Microsoft 365, select Apps.
  9. Within Apps, select OneDrive.
  10. In OneDrive, in the top-left corner, select + (add new) > File upload.
  11. In File Explorer, select This PC > Local Disk (C:) and open the ResourceFiles folder.
  12. Select all files within the ResourceFiles folder, then select Open to upload them to OneDrive.
  13. When the upload is complete, you should see Uploaded 29 items to My files in the bottom center of the screen.
  14. Leave Edge open and move on to the next task.

Referencing Files in Copilot

When using Copilot, you may find that some files aren’t immediately available in the suggestions. This occurs because certain Copilot experiences only reference files from the Most Recently Used (MRU) list, while others let you browse OneDrive directly. To ensure a file appears in the MRU list, simply open it in the relevant Microsoft 365 app, and it will be added automatically.

[!IMPORTANT] Microsoft 365 Copilot can only work with files saved to OneDrive. Files stored locally on your PC will need to be moved to OneDrive for Copilot to access them.

Introduction

Operations teams are the backbone of every organization. They coordinate people, processes, facilities, and technology to keep the business running smoothly—often while juggling tight timelines, complex logistics, and constant change. In this environment, the ability to make fast, informed decisions is critical.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed to help Operations professionals meet this challenge. By combining AI‑powered reasoning with the tools Operations teams already use every day, Copilot enhances productivity, reduces manual work, and enables teams to focus on higher‑value tasks such as risk mitigation, strategic planning, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Across industries, Operations teams face similar pressures: maintaining safe and efficient facilities, coordinating multi‑team efforts, responding to unplanned disruptions, and keeping stakeholders aligned. Copilot strengthens these capabilities by helping teams:

  • Streamline planning and execution. Copilot accelerates project planning by generating structured ideas, organizing tasks, and transforming complex information into clear outputs.

  • Automate the repeatable and eliminate the tedious. High‑volume, repetitive tasks—status updates, routine questions, review cycles, vendor communications—often consume Operations capacity. Copilot reduces that burden by automating routine communications, compiling data, and creating no‑code agents that provide consistent answers

  • Keep complex projects on track. Large initiatives such as facility expansions involve multiple phases, teams, timelines, and dependencies. Copilot helps visualize milestones, monitor risks, and maintain alignment. Copilot also assists with drafting communications, updating safety documentation, and generating summaries that Operations staff can act on immediately

  • Power data‑driven decisions. Operations leaders rely on timely, accurate insights to guide actions and mitigate risks. Copilot quickly synthesizes information from documents, emails, and project notes to support informed choices.

  • Strengthen communication and stakeholder alignment. Whether briefing executives, updating frontline teams, or coordinating with vendors, clear communication is essential. Copilot helps craft concise messages, generate presentations, and compile insights from attached files.

This training module is built around realistic, scenario‑driven exercises that reflect the responsibilities of modern Operations teams. These exercises reflect what Operations teams do daily—coordinating people, projects, safety, and change. Copilot strengthens these essential functions by reducing friction, speeding execution, and ensuring that information is accurate, consistent, and actionable.

Copilot prompting

One of the primary keys to effectively using Copilot is the quality of your Copilot prompts. A good Copilot prompt is built around the following four key elements that make your request clear, actionable, and tailored for the best results:

  • Goal. Clearly state what you want Copilot to do. For example: “Generate three to five bullet points summarizing the latest project updates.”

  • Context. Provide background information so Copilot understands why you need this request and who or what is involved. For example: “Prepare these bullet points for a meeting with Client X about their ‘Phase 3+’ brand campaign.”

  • Sources. Specify where Copilot should look for information (documents, emails, Teams chats, and so on). For example: “Focus on emails and Teams chats since June.”

  • Expectations. Define how you want the response delivered—tone, style, or level of detail. For example: “Use simple language so I can get up to speed quickly” or “Explain it as if I were a pirate.”

Keep these four elements front and center as you practice creating prompts—they’re the foundation for getting clear, accurate, and useful results from Copilot. Implementing these elements as you write prompts in these exercises can build real-world skills, so writing effective prompts becomes second nature.