In a recent LinkedIn post, Clare Kitching discusses how many users are not fully leveraging the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot, often treating it more like a basic search engine than the powerful tool it can be. Kitching, who works with numerous clients who have Copilot integrated into their workflows, highlights a common realization among them: the tool can do significantly more than they initially understood.
Beyond Basic Search: Copilot as a ‘Junior Analyst’
Clare Kitching emphasizes that Copilot’s true value lies beyond simple queries. She likens its potential to that of a “junior analyst who’s read everything in your company,” suggesting a depth of understanding and capability that is frequently overlooked. This perspective challenges the common perception of Copilot as merely an advanced search function.
“People use Copilot like a search bar (if at all). It’s closer to a junior analyst who’s read everything in your company.”
Kitching points out that many of these advanced features are not actively promoted by Microsoft, often slipping into updates with minimal fanfare. She notes that the discovery of these functionalities is frequently accidental, both for her clients and herself.
The ‘I Didn’t Know It Could Do That’ Phenomenon
A recurring theme in Kitching’s observations is the surprise and appreciation she encounters when demonstrating Copilot’s less obvious features. “Every week I’ll show a client one of these tips and I hear the same thing: ‘I didn’t know it could do that,’” she writes. This sentiment underscores a significant gap between Copilot’s available features and user adoption.
The lack of clear, comprehensive guidance contributes to this underutilization. As Clare Kitching explains:
“These features are rarely explained well, and Microsoft tends to ship them without fanfare, a small tip or trick at a time. Added up though, they can save you hours.”
Actionable Tips for Enhanced Copilot Usage
To address this, Kitching shared ten of her favorite tips, ranging from simple to more advanced, available within Copilot. She stresses that while some require the premium license, foundational steps like choosing the right model and setting up custom instructions are free and can dramatically improve output quality.
Getting Started with Customization
Kitching specifically advises users to prioritize customization. According to her, these initial setup steps are crucial:
“Start with choosing your model and setting up custom instructions. They’re free and take little time to do but change the quality of your answers.”
Beyond these initial steps, Kitching encourages users to explore “skills” within Copilot, identifying them as significant time-savers that require a bit more experimentation to master. Her goal is to empower users to extract maximum value from the AI tool, transforming their daily work through efficient and effective utilization.
Clare Kitching concludes her post by inviting feedback on new favorite tips and encouraging readers to share the information to help colleagues. Her insights serve as a valuable guide for professionals looking to move beyond basic functionality and truly harness the power of Microsoft Copilot.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Clare Kitching on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on October 3, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →