Summarize shared files in Microsoft Teams chats

Copilot in Microsoft Teams makes it easy to catch up on shared files without opening each one. 

When someone shares a file in a one-on-one or group chat, Copilot can create a short summary of that file. This helps you understand the main points without reading the whole document.

Screenshot showing a Word doc shared in chat and the Copilot summary open in the side pane.

Note

  • Currently, summarize for me is only available for Word files.
  • Only chat participants with access to the file can receive a summary, which will carry the same sensitivity label as the original file. 
  • Files that have certain sensitivity labels that enforce protection applied (Confidential and Highly confidential) are not supported.
  • This feature is available on desktop and web.

To get a file summary:

  1. Open the chat where the file was shared.
  2. Find the file you want to summarize.
  3. In the file preview, select Summarize for me  Copilot summarize button icon. .
  4. This will open the Copilot side pane with a prompt to summarize the file.

Copilot in Teams chats

Keep it short and sweet: a guide on the length of documents you provide to Copilot