OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot

Let’s discuss OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot. OneDrive is a productivity tool for managing and sharing files. It can store files, photos, and other documents in the cloud. Copilot in OneDrive will start to roll out in the summer of 2024.

The copilot acts as an assistant to improve work productivity. It organises repeated tasks such as writing emails and summarising documents, which should help users focus on more important work.

Microsoft is introducing Copilot to files in SharePoint and OneDrive. This feature will let you ask open-ended questions about a specific file or receive a summary of its content without opening the file. By December, it will be accessible in OneDrive for all Microsoft 365 Copilot license customers.

In this post, I will explain Copilot in OneDrive. Copilot in OneDrive is now rolling out and will be generally available by the end of September 2024. Let’s study how Copilot will change how you work with your files.

Patch My PC

OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries using Copilot

Copilot in OneDrive allows you to recover information from your OneDrive files quickly. This feature will be accessible immediately in OneDrive for the Web and in the file viewer in Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. With a Microsoft 365 licence, it will be available for work and school customers.

OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot - Fig.1 (Image credited to MS)
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot – Fig.1 (Image credited to MS)

Questions and Answers from Copilot in OneDrive

Copilot OneDrive provides quick information without having to search for documents. It delivers an instant and easy way to find answers within your files. It will recover the data by a simple prompt. Copilot OneDrive saves you time by offering you rapid access to the content within your files.  

  • Get information and insights from your files
  • Find files using natural language
  • Create outlines, tables, and FAQs from your content
  • Improve content
  • Generate file summaries

Copilot in OneDrive can help you with tasks such as comparing documents, creating FAQs, getting suggestions on expanding documents, and much more.

  • Select the files
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot - Fig.2 (Image credited to MS)
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot – Fig.2 (Image credited to MS)

Select the Compare in a Table

OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot - Fig.3 (Image credited to MS)
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot – Fig.3 (Image credited to MS)

You can also create document summaries with Copilot in OneDrive when sharing Word files. The recipient will receive the summary in their email. Without opening the file, you can ask the questions in the content included in it, and you will get the answer with the help of Copilot.

Note: The sharing summaries feature is now accessible for users with MS Copilot for Microsoft 365 license when sharing from Microsoft Word online.

OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot - Fig.4 (Image credited to MS)
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot – Fig.4 (Image credited to MS)

The features mentioned above are the first steps of Copilot in the OneDrive release. An overview of the upcoming features is given below.

File ViewerFaster and Updated

Microsoft has just updated the File Viewer for Microsoft 365, which allows users to preview over 300 file types in OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, and other apps. You can also access Copilot in OneDrive from the file viewer to summarise documents, ask questions, and create FAQs based on the file’s information.  It is very fast for editing PDFs and images, explaining eBooks, and requesting electronic signatures.

Note: This update is currently available for customers in Targeted Release and will be rolling out globally this summer.

Speed up Teamwork and Productivity

OneDrive enhances productivity and efficiency for every user and organisation. Its advanced search and new features help you quickly locate and monitor your work. It also offers secure file-sharing options to protect your data.

Enhanced Search in OneDrive for Web

OneDrive for the web extends improved search functionality faster than ever. It lets you find the files in OneDrive, shared folders, or document libraries through your digital workspace from one central location. The enhanced search features are given in the table below for your reference.

FeaturesDescription
New filtersAdded filters for separate file types to help you find exactly what you need.
Date filterLimit your search results to files created or modified within a particular timeframe.
Scoping optionsEfficiently conduct exact searches within specific folders, sites, or document libraries.
Updated interfaceVisual improvements and more metadata help you locate your files faster.
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot -Table 1

Collaborate Easily, Intelligently, and Securely

The sharing feature in Microsoft 365 is widely used for quick and smooth collaboration. When you share across Microsoft 365 applications, you can easily send an email invite or copy a link for others to collaborate on your files. Microsoft updated the email invitation feature to ensure that it only works for the people you specify, making it more secure for sharing with your teams.

OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot - Fig.5 (Image credited to MS)
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot – Fig.5 (Image credited to MS)

Branded External File Requests

An external file request feature helps us collect files from others by providing them with a secure upload link. This tool is beneficial when grouping documents, photos, or other files from people outside your organisation. Custom branding requests and landing pages will help your brand stand out to partners, clients, or stakeholders. Every interaction will match your brand identity.

OneDrive Experience in Document Libraries

The modified OneDrive experience is available in OneDrive for the web in SharePoint document libraries. Fresh new visuals, primary navigation with filters and search, best-in-class acts, and your favourite features from Microsoft Lists, like board views are available in document libraries.

Create New Files from Templates

You can initiate the file creation experience on the web in OneDrive by clicking the Add New button. When you click the Add new button, you can create a blank file or choose from a selection of high-quality, well-designed Word, Excel, and PowerPoint templates, including templates provided by your organisation, to start your work.

OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot - Fig.6 (Image credited to MS)
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot – Fig.6 (Image credited to MS)

Photos and Videos with Media View

Media View is a new option in the left navigation of OneDrive for the web for work and school users. It allows you to browse and access your photo and video content in OneDrive. Media view for the web in OneDrive is now rolling out to customers.

OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot - Fig.7 (Image credited to MS)
OneDrive with New Experience in Document Libraries and Create New Files from Templates using Copilot – Fig.7 (Image credited to MS)

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Author

Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP for 10 consecutive years from 2015 onwards. He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.

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