If you thought the tech world would slow down after the advent of AI, think again! 2025 kicked off with Microsoft continuously cementing its position as the go-to productivity giant with tools like Microsoft Copilot, now seamlessly integrated into Teams. Ever wondered how you could transcribe entire meetings without even lifting a finger? Say hello to Copilot in Microsoft Teams, a handy AI assistant that transcribes meetings in real-time, organizes summaries, and provides actionable follow-ups, saving you from the ominous task of sifting through hours of recorded chatter.
Let’s break it down and uncover how you can wield the power of Copilot to transcribe meetings effectively, whether you're a meeting organizer or just looking to cut down on manual note-taking. Buckle up, because Teams and Copilot are taking office efficiency to an entirely new level.
So, the next time you find yourself bombarded with overlapping conversations or verbose presenters, just let Copilot tackle the heavy lifting. Remember, you weren’t hired to manually transcribe meetings—leave that grunt work to the AI and embrace your new role as the team’s informed decision-maker.
Have you tried Copilot yet? Share your experiences and tips below—we’d love to hear your take on this game-changing feature!
Source: Guiding Tech How to Use Copilot to Transcribe Meetings
Let’s break it down and uncover how you can wield the power of Copilot to transcribe meetings effectively, whether you're a meeting organizer or just looking to cut down on manual note-taking. Buckle up, because Teams and Copilot are taking office efficiency to an entirely new level.
Getting Started: How to Enable Copilot for Transcriptions
Before we dive into the practicalities, here's a little heads-up: Only meeting organizers or co-organizers in Teams have the authority to enable transcription. So, if you're a guest, better buddy up with the organizer beforehand to ensure transcription is turned on. Here's how it works:Step 1: Access the “Meeting Options” Menu
Head over to the "Calendar" tab in Teams and locate your meeting event. Open the "Meeting Options" menu for that specific meeting—it’s like the secret backdoor to extra features.Step 2: Allow Transcriptions with Copilot
You’ll find an option titled “Allow Copilot.” It isn’t just a toggle switch—it’s a Swiss Army knife of Copilot functionality. Here, you're presented with two options for enabling transcription:- During and after the meeting: This is the full package. Not only do transcripts get recorded live, but you also gain access to Copilot's post-meeting insights, like summaries and follow-up suggestions.
- Only during the meeting: Still handy if you just want the basics—live transcripts while the meeting is underway.
Step 3: Double-Check Permissions
Ensure all participants are allowed access to Copilot’s transcript features. Nothing kills productivity like technical hiccups due to unchecked settings.Live Meeting: How to Activate Transcription in Real-Time
Once you've enabled Copilot transcription in pre-meeting settings, you’re all set to have your virtual assistant kick into action. Here’s what to do during a live meeting:Step 1: Start Transcription
Once the meeting begins, hit the “More” icon (three dots) at the top of the Teams window. Navigate to “Record and transcribe,” then click on “Start transcription.” Voila! Teams will begin documenting every spoken word like the diligent assistant you wish you had.Step 2: Enable Copilot
Go one step further by tapping the “Copilot” button at the meeting’s side panel. This ensures Copilot captures everything—every witty remark, every actionable item—without missing a beat. You can also interact with the side menu to ask Copilot questions during the meeting (think cliff notes but with real-time input).Post-Meeting Magic: Viewing & Interacting with Transcripts
One of Copilot’s superpowers? Post-meeting analysis. Whether you’re the type who likes revisiting details or just someone who slept through the meeting (don’t worry, your secret’s safe), the transcript is your best friend.1. Viewing During the Meeting
If you're an active participant or presenter, seeing the transcript while the meeting is LIVE might give you a tactical advantage. Simply:- Click on the “Copilot” button.
- Ask Copilot for a summary or specific details from the transcript so far. For instance, type a prompt like "What did John say about the budget allocation?"
2. Accessing Transcripts After the Meeting
Post-meeting, this is where the “Recap” tab shines. Within the Recap tab, tap on the “Transcript” button, where you’ll see the entire transcript decked out:- Speaker IDs: Each speaker’s words are attributed, making those “who said what” mysteries a thing of the past.
- Timestamps: Jump straight to key moments without slogging through the full chat.
- Download Option: Save a copy of the transcript locally for additional review or offline sharing.
Beyond Transcripts: What Else Can Copilot Do?
Why stop at transcription? This is 2025, and you’ve got an AI sidekick with a surprising arsenal of tricks up its AI sleeve. Once the transcript is ready, Copilot goes above and beyond by offering:- Quick Summaries: Don’t feel like reading through 45 minutes of technical jargon? Ask Copilot to summarize the meeting points—the main decisions, action items, and context will pop up immediately.
- Follow-Up Suggestions: Planning the next meeting? Copilot can propose discussion topics based on what was said during the last meeting. It’s like an AI that both remembers and reminds.
- Highlights & Insights: Need to extract just the actionable intel? Ask Copilot to highlight specific talking points, decisions, or issues raised during the discussion.
Why Use Copilot for Meeting Transcriptions?
Sure, you could argue that transcription isn’t new—plenty of apps like Otter.ai, Rev, or even Word have let you transcribe audio for years. But Microsoft Copilot in Teams offers advantages that are hard to overlook:- Integration with Teams: No third-party apps or clunky file exports. Copilot works where the action happens—inside Teams itself.
- Context-Aware Processing: Copilot doesn’t just turn speech into text; it provides context, summarizes, and connects conversations to follow-ups and tasks.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Share insights, point out key moments, and keep your entire team aligned without extra effort.
Pro Tips for Optimal Transcription Performance
To squeeze every ounce out of Copilot’s transcription capabilities:- Ensure Clear Audio Quality: Background noise and muffled speech hinder transcription accuracy. Use noise-canceling mics and request attendees to mute themselves when not speaking.
- Prepare Questions in Advance: Jot down prompts to use with Copilot, especially for post-meeting summaries or clarifications.
- Regular Updates to Teams App: Copilot features get updates frequently. Keep your Teams client updated to leverage the latest AI enhancements.
Wrap-Up: A Futuristic Approach to Meetings
Microsoft Copilot isn’t just a tool; it’s a productivity paradigm shift. From handling transcription in Teams with pinpoint accuracy to offering post-meeting insights that elevate your follow-ups, this AI assistant transforms how we engage with meetings.So, the next time you find yourself bombarded with overlapping conversations or verbose presenters, just let Copilot tackle the heavy lifting. Remember, you weren’t hired to manually transcribe meetings—leave that grunt work to the AI and embrace your new role as the team’s informed decision-maker.
Have you tried Copilot yet? Share your experiences and tips below—we’d love to hear your take on this game-changing feature!
Source: Guiding Tech How to Use Copilot to Transcribe Meetings
