From tackling an awkward Excel formula to improving a Word document, here’s how to bring ChatGPT directly into your Microsoft 365 apps and put AI to work on the task in front of you.
Bringing ChatGPT Into Microsoft 365
For many people, using AI still means opening a browser, navigating to ChatGPT, copying information across, and then pasting the results back into Word, Excel or PowerPoint.
That extra step can be enough to stop people using AI regularly.
The good news is that ChatGPT can now be used directly within Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, allowing you to access AI assistance alongside the work you’re already doing. Rather than switching between applications, you can ask questions, generate content and get help without leaving the document you’re working on.
For businesses looking to improve productivity, it’s a small change that can make AI much easier to adopt.
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ChatGPT in Excel
Excel is one of the most common places where users can benefit from AI assistance.
Whether you’re building a spreadsheet from scratch, troubleshooting a formula or trying to understand why a workbook isn’t behaving as expected, ChatGPT can help explain formulas, generate calculations and assist with data analysis.
Examples include:
- Explaining what a complex formula is doing
- Suggesting alternative formulas
- Creating spreadsheet templates
- Summarising data trends
- Helping build reports and dashboards
Instead of searching forums or watching tutorials, you can simply ask the question directly within Excel and receive immediate guidance.
ChatGPT in Word
Word users can take advantage of ChatGPT for drafting, editing and improving documents.
This can be particularly useful when:
- Creating reports or proposals
- Rewriting content for a different audience
- Summarising lengthy documents
- Improving clarity and readability
- Producing first drafts from notes or bullet points
While AI can speed up document creation significantly, it’s important to remember that all AI-generated content should still be reviewed for accuracy before being shared externally.
Think of ChatGPT as an assistant rather than a replacement for human expertise.
ChatGPT in PowerPoint
Creating presentations is another area where AI can save considerable time.
ChatGPT can help:
- Generate presentation outlines
- Create first drafts of slide content
- Improve existing presentations
- Suggest structure and flow improvements
- Tailor presentations for specific audiences
Rather than staring at a blank slide deck, users can quickly build a strong starting point and then refine the presentation to meet their needs.
ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?
It’s worth understanding that ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are not the same product.
ChatGPT is OpenAI’s AI assistant and can now be integrated directly into applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Microsoft Copilot, meanwhile, is Microsoft’s AI assistant integrated across Microsoft 365. Depending on your licensing and configuration, Copilot can work with organisational context from Microsoft 365, drawing on information such as emails, documents, meetings and chats that you already have permission to access. It respects the same access controls and security permissions that exist within your Microsoft 365 environment.
For many organisations, the decision isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about understanding where each tool fits and ensuring employees use AI in a way that’s secure, productive and aligned with company policies.
Don’t Forget About Data Security
As AI tools become more embedded into everyday applications, organisations need to think carefully about governance and data protection.
Before rolling out AI tools across the business, it’s worth considering:
- Who can access sensitive business information
- Whether users should be able to install AI add-ins themselves
- Which AI platforms are approved for business use
- What company information can and cannot be shared with AI tools
- Existing SharePoint and OneDrive permissions
- Employee training and awareness
AI can provide significant productivity benefits, but the best results come when technology adoption is supported by good security practices and clear policies.
The Future of Everyday Productivity
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing isn’t necessarily in what AI can do—it’s where AI is available.
Instead of being a separate tool, AI is increasingly appearing directly inside the applications people use every day. Whether it’s helping with a spreadsheet, improving a document or building a presentation, AI is becoming part of the normal workflow.
For many businesses, the real opportunity isn’t replacing people with AI.
It’s removing repetitive tasks, reducing time spent on routine work and allowing employees to focus on activities that genuinely add value.
Need Help Getting More From Microsoft 365?
At EC Computers, we help organisations make better use of Microsoft 365, improve security and explore technologies such as Microsoft Copilot and AI-powered productivity tools.
If you’d like advice on Microsoft 365, AI readiness, security or user adoption, we’d be happy to help.
Get in touch with EC Computers today to discuss your Microsoft 365 and AI strategy, Call 0117 200 1000 or complete our simple contact us form