Teams Tips: Summarizing Shared Files – Tech Tip for November 26, 2025

In this week’s tech tip, we’re taking a look at a power Teams feature that helps you catch up quickly on shared documents. Microsoft Copilot can now summarize shared Word files directly inside your Teams chats—no need to open the full document. This helps you quickly understand key points, find action items, and stay prepared for conversations without slowing down your workflow. Let’s walk through how this works!

Summarize Shared Word Files in Chats

Copilot makes reviewing shared files in Teams faster by generating concise summaries of Word documents directly in the chat. This recently added Teams feature helps you save time while ensuring you don’t miss key points in longer documents.

From the Teams App and Chat:

• Open a chat where a Word file was shared.
• From the bottom right of the file preview, select the ‘Summarize for me’ button.
• Copilot’s side pane opens with a clear, concise summary of the document.
• Choose from Copilot prompt options or type your own:
  • “Provide more details on the recommendations.”
  • “Draft an email summarizing a report.”
  • “Create a short meeting prep note.”
  • “Highlight key action items or extract key takeaways.”
• Take it a step further:
  • Use summaries to quickly prep for a meeting or share a summarized version with colleagues who also have access.
  • Ask Copilot to help you schedule a new meeting to discuss the contents of the document with your team.
    • Be precise in your scheduling prompt: e.g. “Schedule a 30-minute meeting with John Smith at Company B for today at 2 PM.”
    • Copilot should prompt back with a button link to Outlook, automating a pre-filled event invitation that you can then review and edit.

TIP: A Microsoft Copilot license is required to use this summarize feature.

TIP: Only participants with access to the file can see the summary. Files labeled Confidential or Highly Confidential aren’t supported, keeping sensitive content secure.

Microsoft Copilot file summaries are a quick, effective way to catch up on shared Word documents and stay prepared for meetings and conversations. If your team frequently shares documents in chat, this feature can streamline your workflow and save valuable time. We hope you’ll give it a try in your next Teams conversation!

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about Microsoft Copilot or Teams? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you make the most of your Microsoft tools.