Paul Couvert Profile picture
Feb 22 8 tweets 4 min read Read on X
Automate any task using Microsoft Copilot

Your computer works autonomously without writing a line of code.

Here's how to do it for free with Copilot and Power Automate: Image
1. Prepare Copilot

- Open Copilot (web or on Windows)
- Select creative mode
- Deactivate "Search" in plugins

For this tutorial, we don't want Copilot to access the Internet to optimize its performance.

Note:

If you don't have access to the plugins yet, this should still work.
2. Enter the prompt

Copy/paste and adapt the prompt below for the task you want to perform.

In my case, I want to automatically rename dozens of PDF files in a folder.

Prompt:

"Act as a Power Automate Desktop expert. Write all the steps involved in creating a flow to [TASK]. Detail all the steps for a complete beginner and write down each time what should appear in the action and what the user should write in the action block."

Task example:

"rename only the PDF files in my C:\Users\paulc\Documents\PDFs folder by adding the word "-final" to their name"

Copilot takes care of writing the entire process to automate the task.
3. Open Power Automate

Power Automate Desktop is a free tool from Microsoft for automating tasks:

- Windows 11: just look for "Power Automate" in the list of apps

- Windows 10: install it from the web or the Microsoft Store.

- Create a new flow by clicking in the top left-hand corner.

Important:

Don't forget to check the Power Fx box when creating the flow.
4. Follow Copilot

Just follow Copilot's instructions:

- Add actions by searching the list and dragging them to the center.

- Fill in the text fields (copy and paste)

- Don't forget to add an "=" before each item, as in Excel.
5. Deal with any errors (optional)

It may happen that Power Automate displays errors:

- Just take a screenshot of the whole of Power Automate

- Paste it into Copilot and indicate that you've had an error in an action.

Copilot analyzes your screen and automatically gives you the solution!
6. Run your flow

Click on the "Run" button at the top of your flow.

Power Automate performs the tasks you've described to Copilot!

In my case, it renames all my PDF files, adding "-final" at the end.

Note:

You can also save your flow for reuse at any time.
This tutorial may seem long, but once you've created an automation you can reuse it as often as you like.

My Copilot project is coming soon. Follow me and check my newsletter (bio) to be notified!

Please like the 1st post if you found it useful:

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More from @itsPaulAi

Feb 24
I used to spend hours dealing with my emails

But Copilot in Outlook has solved this problem.

It allows you to summarize conversations and reply in seconds, here's how: Image
1. Activate the new Outlook

Open either the Outlook desktop app or the web version.

Check that the "New Outlook" toggle is activated.

Note:

You obviously also need to have Copilot Pro or Copilot for Microsoft 365 for Copilot to appear next. Image
2. Summarize an email thread

- Choose the conversation that you want

- Select Summary by Copilot at the top

Copilot will scan the thread to look for key points and create a summary for you. Image
Read 9 tweets
Feb 19
Copilot is in all Microsoft 365 apps

Excel, PowerPoint, Word, OneNote and Outlook are the most widely used.

Here's what it does in each of them: Image
Process data and create charts in Excel:
Create a PowerPoint presentation in 40 seconds:
Read 6 tweets
Feb 18
Copilot in OneNote transforms note-taking

It takes writing, idea generation and comprehension to the next level.

Here's how to use it with real-life examples: Image
1. Design Plans

Use Copilot to create detailed plans for events, meetings, and more:

- Open Copilot in OneNote (desktop or web)
- Search for your notebook

Prompt template:

"Help me create a detailed plan for my upcoming [meeting/presentation] about [topic]."
2. Chat for Understanding

Clarify concepts from your notes, which can aid in deeper understanding.

Prompt template:

"I find it hard to understand [topic]. Can you explain it to me in simple words?"
Read 7 tweets
Feb 16
Copilot voice is perfect for learning a new language for free.

You can turn it into your personal teacher with just one prompt.

Here's how to practice anytime and carry on a natural conversation: Image
1. Initial prompt

Open the Copilot app or website on desktop.

Click on the microphone icon and dictate the first prompt:

"I want to practice conversational [language] by simulating a real-life scenario, like [situation]. Start the conversation using only [language] and correct my mistakes naturally in conversation when I make them."

Example of learning English with a taxi driver:

"I want to practice conversational English by simulating a real-life scenario like talking to a taxi driver. Start a conversation using only English and correct my mistakes naturally in conversation when I make them."

Copilot will then automatically respond orally by starting a conversation.
2. Continue the conversation

Press the microphone again to speak your answer.

Copilot will point out your mistakes and continue the conversation!

Tip:

If you're a beginner, you can use the text that appears to help you understand more easily.

If you're more advanced, you can focus exclusively on the audio to improve your comprehension.
Read 6 tweets
Feb 14
Hallucinations are AI's main problem

It frequently writes false information.

Gemini has a feature that fixes this issue.

Here's how to check any info with one click 🧵 Image
1. Write your prompt

Open Gemini and start by typing your prompt in the usual way.

You don't need to take any special precautions.
2. Double-check response

Scroll down to the bottom of the response generated by Gemini.

Click on the Google "G" icon at the bottom:

- Gemini will perform a Google search to verify the information.

- Parts will be highlighted in green or orange

Orange = Google Search found content that's likely different from the statement, or it didn't find relevant content.

Green = Google Search found content that's likely similar to the statement.
Read 5 tweets
Feb 12
Copilot's integration in Excel is impressive

You can process data and create charts without formulas.

Here's how to do it with a single prompt 🧵 Image
1. Turn your data into a table

- Select the first cell of your data.

- In the top menu, click on "Format as a Table".

- Then choose the appearance of your table

Note:

This step is necessary to enable Copilot to read the data.
2. Write your prompt

Select any cell in your table and open Copilot.

Here's a sample prompt you can use:

"Create a [CHART TYPE] that shows [DESCRIPTION]"

For my data, my prompt is:

"Create a bar chart that shows the average weight for each sport"

Copilot takes care of understanding the data, calculating (here the average weight) and displaying a preview of the chart.
Read 5 tweets

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