Understanding Microsoft Copilot's Conversational Memory

Microsoft Copilot functions by maintaining a conversational context, often referred to as "memory," within a specific interaction session. This memory allows it to refer back to previous turns in the current dialogue. For example, if asked about a document and then asked a follow-up question about a specific section, Copilot uses the context from the initial prompt to understand the subsequent one.

This "memory" is primarily limited to the ongoing chat session. It does not typically retain information or conversational history across separate chat sessions or influence interactions started on a new topic.

Why Clear Copilot's Context?

There are several reasons why a user might want to effectively "clear" Copilot's memory or context:

• Starting a New Topic: When switching from discussing one subject or document to another, clearing the previous context ensures Copilot doesn't get confused or mix information from the old topic into the new one.
• Privacy Concerns (Session-Specific): While Copilot sessions are generally designed with privacy in mind, users might feel more comfortable ensuring no remnants of a previous, potentially sensitive, conversation remain when starting a new one.
• Troubleshooting: If Copilot is providing irrelevant responses, it might be due to lingering context from a complex or confusing prior interaction within the same session. Clearing the context provides a fresh start.
• Improving Focus: A long, meandering conversation can dilute the context. Starting fresh helps focus Copilot on the new, specific need.

Methods to Clear Microsoft Copilot's Memory

Since Copilot's memory is primarily session-based, clearing it involves ending the current session's context and starting a new one. The exact method depends on where Copilot is being used.

Clearing Context in Copilot Interfaces (Web/App)

In dedicated Copilot interfaces, such as the Copilot website (copilot.microsoft.com) or the Copilot application, clearing the memory is straightforward:

• Start a New Chat/Topic: Look for an option like "New chat," "New topic," or an icon representing a fresh start (often a plus sign or a page icon). Clicking this button effectively discards the context of the current conversation and begins a completely new one.

Clearing Context in Microsoft 365 Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Within Microsoft 365 applications where Copilot is integrated (like Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook), the context is typically tied to the specific document or email currently being viewed or edited, and the current chat pane.

• Close and Re-open the Pane: Closing the Copilot pane within the application and then re-opening it can reset the immediate conversational context.
• Open a Different Document/Email: Switching to a different document or email will naturally change the focus and context for Copilot in that application.
• Use "New Chat" within the Pane: Some implementations within apps might offer a "New chat" option directly within the Copilot pane, similar to the web interface.

Clearing Context in Windows

Copilot integrated into the Windows operating system maintains context within its pane.

• Close and Re-open the Copilot Pane: Dismissing the Copilot pane from the taskbar or keyboard shortcut and then launching it again typically starts a fresh session without the previous conversation's context.
• Use the "New Topic" Button: The Copilot pane in Windows usually includes a "New topic" button (often near the input box) specifically for clearing the current chat context and starting over.

Important Considerations About Copilot Data

It's crucial to understand that clearing the conversational context within a session is distinct from deleting any potential usage data or interaction logs that Microsoft might maintain according to its privacy policies. The methods described above focus solely on resetting the immediate memory Copilot uses for the current dialogue to provide relevant responses.

Copilot does not build a long-term "personal memory" about individual users across unrelated sessions or store personal data indefinitely from conversations in a way that influences future, separate interactions without explicit user action (like saving a chat).

For enterprise users, data handling with Microsoft 365 Copilot is governed by organizational policies and Microsoft's commitments regarding commercial data protection, where chat data is not used to train underlying large language models.

In summary, to give Copilot a "clean slate" for a new request or topic, simply start a new chat session using the designated button in the interface being used.