Get More from Microsoft Copilot: Why Starting a New Chat Matters
Have you ever had a long-running chat and noticed that the answers you’re receiving from Copilot start to become less useful, divert focus or just don’t deliver what you’re asking for?
As conversations become longer, Copilot has to work harder to keep track of everything that’s been discussed. To manage this, AI systems may condense or summarise earlier parts of the conversation so they can continue processing new information. This helps keep chats moving smoothly, but over very long conversations, important details can sometimes become less prominent or slightly altered.
Our Simple Tip: Use a “Canary”
One way to spot when a conversation may be losing context is to introduce a simple rule for Copilot to follow in every response.
For example, you could ask Copilot to:
- Always start responses with your name
- End each message with an emoji
- Avoid using certain words or phrases
- Include a specific sign-off at the end of every response
Think of it like a canary in a coal mine. As long as Copilot continues following the rule, it’s a good indication that the conversation context is being maintained. If the rule starts to disappear, it may be time to start a fresh chat.
Start Fresh, Not From Scratch
Before opening a new conversation, ask Copilot to summarise the key points, decisions and actions from your current chat. You can then paste this directly into a new chat and continue working with a cleaner, more focused context and Copilot.
This simple change can help improve response quality, especially when working on large projects, complex plans or lengthy research tasks.
Use Custom Instructions to Personalise Copilot
Microsoft Copilot allows you to add custom instructions that shape how it responds to you across your conversations with it.
Some examples are:
- Use British English spellings
- Keep responses concise
- Explain technical concepts in plain English
- Provide step-by-step guidance
- Highlight key actions and deadlines
By tailoring your Copilot to your preferred working style, you can make responses more consistent, easier to digest, and better suited to your needs.
The longer the conversation, the harder Copilot has to work to maintain every detail. By using simple “canary” rules, summarising important information, and starting fresh chats when needed, you can help ensure you continue to get accurate, relevant, and high-quality responses.
Blog credits: Dom Neuner, our Automation Engineer, and Lucie Thorpe, our Marketing Lead.