upload file copilot

jenn chesney 0 Reputation points
2026-08-31T17:43:29.7966667+00:00

How do I turn file upload on for copilot using Microsoft 365 on a mac

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | MacOS

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 87,535 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-31T18:19:15.2466667+00:00

    Hi, @jenn chesney

    There normally isn’t a separate switch just for file uploads in Copilot.

    If you are using Copilot Chat, click the + button beside the prompt and look for Add images or files.

    If that option is missing or disabled in a Microsoft 365 app on your Mac, open Word and go to Word > Preferences > Privacy. Make sure Experiences that analyze your content and All connected experiences are turned on.

    To help narrow this down:

    1. Are you using Copilot inside Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or the separate Copilot app/web page?
    2. Is the + / Add files option missing completely, or is it grayed out?
    3. Which Microsoft 365 subscription do you have: Personal, Family, Premium, or a work/school account?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-31T17:43:42.4633333+00:00

    For Microsoft Copilot on Mac, file upload is used from the chat UI and does not require a separate Mac setting to turn it on.

    To upload a file:

    1. In Copilot, select the Open icon (+).
    2. Select Add images or files.
    3. Choose the file from the Mac file picker.
    4. After it appears as an attachment, send a prompt about that file.

    Supported file types include:

    • Documents: PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX
    • Images: PNG, JPEG, PJP, JFIF
    • Text and markup: TXT, TEXT, JSON, CSV, MD

    Limits:

    • Up to 20 files in one conversation
    • Each file can be up to 50 MB

    If file upload is missing or not working in Microsoft 365 on Mac, check these items:

    1. Refresh the Microsoft 365 license
      • Open any Microsoft 365 app such as Word.
      • Select Word > About Word > More Info... > Refresh License.
      • Close open documents and restart Microsoft 365 apps.
    2. Check privacy settings
      • In Word, go to Word > Preferences > Privacy.
      • Make sure Experiences that analyze your content is turned on.
      • Make sure All connected experiences is turned on.
    3. Update to the latest build of Microsoft 365 apps.
    4. If the subscription was just updated, file upload permissions can take up to 24 hours to sync.

    Also note that admins can disable file upload in Copilot Chat, so the option might not appear if it has been turned off for the account.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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