Microsoft’s new Copilot Notebooks in OneNote transform note-taking into an AI-powered workspace. Seamlessly integrating Microsoft 365 files, it offers tailored insights, audio summaries, and smarter drafting to boost productivity and simplify complex project management—all with trusted security. Unique :

Introducing Copilot Notebooks: AI Meets OneNote
Microsoft just flipped the script on OneNote. Imagine your favorite note-taking app becoming an AI-powered project hub. That’s exactly what Copilot Notebooks bring to the table. Instead of just jotting down ideas, you can now organize files, chat with AI, and get smart insights—all in one place.
What’s New with Copilot Notebooks?
Copilot Notebooks transform OneNote into a dynamic workspace where AI helps you stay focused and productive. You can gather Word docs, PowerPoint decks, Excel sheets, and even Copilot chats into a single notebook. Then, ask AI questions based on your content and get tailored answers or summaries instantly.
“Copilot Notebooks are your own AI-powered notebooks built right into the note-taking experience you already love.”
This integration is seamless and designed for complex projects that need reasoning and synthesis. Plus, Microsoft ensures your data stays secure and private, so you can collaborate with AI confidently.
Major Updates and Key Features
- Centralized Content: Bring together all your project files, chats, and notes in one focused notebook.
- Contextual AI Insights: Ask Copilot questions grounded in your notebook’s content for smart summaries and next steps.
- Audio Overview: Generate AI-powered audio summaries to listen on the go—perfect for multitasking.
- Seamless Microsoft 365 Integration: Pull in documents and files directly from your Microsoft 365 account.
- Smarter Drafting: Create summaries, action items, and drafts tailored to your content, speeding up your workflow.
How to Get Started
Currently, Copilot Notebooks are available for commercial Microsoft 365 users on the OneNote Windows app. Look for the “Copilot Notebooks” section at the top of your notebook list. You can create new notebooks, add references from OneDrive or your computer, and start prompting Copilot for insights.
Note that only the first 20 reference files are used for AI grounding, supporting formats like .docx, .pptx, .xlsx, .pdf, and OneNote pages.
Pro Tips and Use Cases
- Project Onboarding: Add onboarding materials and let Copilot summarize goals and next steps.
- Business Analysis: Import reports and sales data to uncover trends and draft action items.
- Research Made Easy: Combine PDFs and notes to clarify concepts and connect insights.
“Copilot Notebooks provide a dedicated space to collaborate with AI, helping you stay focused, organized, and productive.”
Final Thoughts
Copilot Notebooks in OneNote are a game-changer for anyone juggling complex projects or deep research. By blending AI with your existing Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Microsoft is making your workflow smarter and faster. If you’re a commercial user, give it a try and see how AI can boost your productivity.
Don’t forget to share your feedback via OneNote’s Help > Feedback option—Microsoft wants to hear from you!
From the Microsoft 365 Blog articles