How to Create a Good Prompt in Copilot Step by Step

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, and Microsoft Copilot is a clear example of this.

In this new blog, we explore how to interact with Copilot step by step to create an optimized prompt capable of generating automatic, downloadable, and fully customized reports with news from the Microsoft ecosystem.

Step‑by‑step process with Copilot

In this practical example, Fernando signs in to Microsoft 365, accesses the Copilot interface, and demonstrates how to build a prompt that summarizes technology news related to Microsoft 365, Windows and Azure. The key to the exercise is not only what you ask for initially, but how you can interact with Copilot to refine the final result.

The process consists of several steps:

1. Define an initial base prompt that clearly states what you want: paragraph‑based summaries, main sentences in bold, and links to official sources.

2. Request expansions into new areas of interest, such as including news about Windows or Azure.

3. Ask Copilot to generate a weekly summary in a downloadable format (PDF or Word).

4. Save the final optimized prompt, so it can be reused for future automated reports.

Thanks to this iterative approach, Copilot not only delivers a weekly news summary, but also allows you to configure the frequency, format, and content of the report in a fully dynamic way.

What does this methodology provide?

The value lies not only in the result, but also in the process. Using Copilot in a conversational way allows you to:

• Refine prompts step by step until you achieve a precise, reusable request.

• Save time when creating internal reports or newsletters.

• Automate the collection of relevant information in a professional format.

• Improve analysis and communication capabilities within the organization.

Ultimately, this is a very useful practice for systems, communications, marketing, or IT teams that want to obtain up‑to‑date insights and present them quickly and clearly.

Tips for creating better prompts with Copilot

If you’re starting to work with Microsoft Copilot or want to get more out of it, having a good prompt is key. A well‑designed prompt not only improves the quality of the responses, but also saves time and reduces the need for later corrections.

Here are some best practices we apply at ABD that you can adopt:

Be clear and specific

Avoid being generic. The more detailed your request, the more accurate Copilot’s response will be.

Example:
✘ “Give me news”
✔ “Summarize three recent news items about Microsoft 365, Windows, and Azure with official sources and newsletter format”

Use structure and formatting

Specify whether you want answers in paragraphs, lists, with headings, links, or bold text. Copilot understands this and applies it.

Iterate in several phases

Start with a base prompt and refine it according to Copilot’s own suggestions. This improves the result and allows you to reuse an optimized prompt later.

Provide context

If you’re working with documents, emails, or internal data, you can paste excerpts or add direct context into the prompt.

Use natural language

Copilot is designed to understand conversational language. There’s no need to use complex commands—the important thing is to be clear and consistent.

ABD Consulting: experts in Microsoft Copilot and intelligent productivity

At ABD Consulting and IT Solutions we are certified Microsoft partners and work closely with our clients to ensure that tools like Microsoft Copilot truly enhance their productivity.

From training to implementation, our team helps you:

• Design intelligent workflows.

• Automate processes with AI.

• Leverage the full potential of Copilot in a secure and efficient way.

Would you like to learn how to build your own effective prompts or integrate Copilot into your daily workflows?
Get in touch with us or join one of our free webinars to take the first step toward a smarter workplace.