Copilot Plus laptops now generate captions automatically in Office apps

A smarter way to describe pictures

That quick caption for an image is called alt text. It turns a silent picture into a detailed description. For someone using a screen reader, it’s their only way to understand what’s visually there.

Leaving it blank means leaving people out. Adding it makes your documents and presentations accessible to everyone, creating a more inclusive digital world.

Forget writing captions manually

Typing descriptions for every image is tedious. It’s easy to skip this step when you’re in a creative flow or facing a deadline. This often unintentionally creates barriers for others.

Now, AI handles this job for you. The moment you add a photo or chart in Word or PowerPoint, a thoughtful caption suggestion quietly appears, asking for your quick review.

See a caption, click approve

When you insert an image, look for the new option that pops up. You will see buttons to approve or edit the automatic alt text.

On supported Copilot Plus PCs, and when you have the updated Microsoft 365 app, the device can generate suggested alt text locally using its NPU, but availability depends on your app version and settings.

This gives you total control. You can accept it instantly or tweak a few words to perfectly match your document’s tone and context.

Fix old documents in seconds

What about your existing files filled with images? This tool brilliantly works for those, too. Select an existing picture, then open Picture Format and choose Alt Text, or go to Review, then Check Accessibility, and select Generate alt text for me to review the suggested description.

In a flash, you’ll get a rich, meaningful description. You can quickly transform an old presentation into an accessible one without starting over.

Your privacy stays protected

The powerful NPU chip inside new Copilot+ PCs handles everything locally. On supported Copilot Plus devices, many image and text tasks can be processed locally on the NPU, reducing cloud exposure and potentially improving privacy for those features.

For certain features, local NPU processing means you can use them offline on compatible hardware, but many Copilot capabilities still rely on cloud services or a qualifying subscription. Your ideas keep flowing smoothly anywhere, without security worries or delays.

Your laptop does more than captions

While automatic image captions are a great start, your Copilot+ PC’s brain helps in other ways, too. That same powerful, on-device AI can draft emails, create slides from your voice commands, summarize documents, and translate text.

These features all work together seamlessly. They’re designed to save you time and make your digital work more accessible, right from the heart of your Microsoft 365 apps.

Your email assistant is here

Imagine facing a crowded inbox when typing is difficult. Copilot in Outlook can draft emails for you from a simple prompt. It can also summarize long threads you missed, saving you time.

This acts like a helpful partner for communication. It helps you stay clear and connected without the usual strain or backlog.

Build slides with just your voice

Creating a presentation can be challenging with motor or visual difficulties. On supported devices, you can use Copilot voice or dictation to ask Copilot to create slides, for example, ask Copilot to create a slide about quarterly goals, and then review the generated content.

It can format text, generate notes, and suggest designs. This turns spoken ideas into professional visuals almost effortlessly.

Get the summary, skip the length

Facing a fifty-page report or an hour-long meeting recording? Copilot can analyze the text and extract the core points for you. This is vital for anyone with focus or reading challenges.

You receive the essential information without the overload. It saves mental energy and lets you focus on action items and decisions.

Translate instantly, connect globally

Copilot and Microsoft Translator can translate documents and create subtitles for supported languages, although some translation features require a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan or account type.

It also understands voice commands in different languages. More people can use technology in the way that feels most natural and effective for them.

Simplify complex text instantly

Academic or technical documents often use dense language. If a sentence feels too complicated, you can ask Copilot to simplify it. This aids non-native speakers and anyone who prefers clear language.

The goal is to ensure the message is understood by all. It’s about clear communication without losing the original meaning or intent.

Understand charts through conversation

Interpreting complex data in Excel can be daunting. You can now ask Copilot, What trend does this chart show? It will explain the visual story in plain language, making data accessible.

This makes analysis more intuitive. It helps everyone gain insights from numbers without needing advanced technical skills.

Curious what else Copilot can do as it becomes more integrated into your workflow? Take a look at how Copilot is starting to listen as it lands on Windows 11.

Technology that includes everyone

These AI tools are more than mere conveniences. They represent meaningful steps toward removing digital barriers. They help ensure everyone can contribute their talents and perspectives.

It’s about building a community where participation is open to all. When technology adapts to us, we can all create and communicate to our full potential.

Want to know where the risks still lie? Take a moment to read why experts warn that Microsoft Copilot Studio agents are being exploited to steal tokens.

Trying out these new Copilot features? Share your favorite use case or ask a question in the comments, and if you found this helpful, a like is always appreciated.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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