Copilot Annoyance

Joseph M 0 Reputation points
2026-09-08T11:55:40.7433333+00:00

I uploaded several files into a Copilot chat session, including Excel, PDF and CSV files.

The files appeared successfully in the designated OneDrive folder used by Copilot for uploaded chat files and were visible in OneDrive immediately after upload.

However, Copilot was unable to access the file contents.

Throughout the conversation, Copilot:

  • Recognised the file names.
  • Indicated that file references existed.
  • Repeatedly reported inaccessible or expired file references.
  • Could not read workbook contents, worksheet data, PDF pages or CSV data.
  • Requested that files be uploaded again despite the files already being present.

Expected Behaviour

When files are uploaded into a Copilot chat and stored in OneDrive, Copilot should be able to:

  • Open the uploaded files.
  • Read Excel workbook contents.
  • Read PDF contents.
  • Read CSV data.
  • Use those files for analysis within the same conversation.

Actual Behaviour

Copilot appeared able to recognise that files existed but could not retrieve the file contents for processing.

The result was that file-based analysis could not be completed despite multiple uploads and attempts to provide OneDrive / SharePoint links.

Additional Information

  • Files were successfully uploaded and visible in OneDrive.
  • The issue affected multiple file types.
  • The same files were uploaded several times.
  • Folder links and file links were also supplied.
  • The problem persisted throughout the conversation.

Request

Please investigate:

  1. Whether Copilot has access to files stored in its associated OneDrive upload folder.
  2. Why uploaded files may appear available but remain inaccessible for content retrieval.
  3. Whether there are any known issues affecting Excel, PDF or CSV processing in Copilot chat sessions.
  4. Whether any configuration, permissions or indexing issues could cause this behaviour.

I can provide screenshots demonstrating:

  • successful file uploads,
  • file presence in OneDrive,
  • and the repeated access failures within Copilot.

Kind regards,

Microsoft Copilot | Other
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  1. Emma1-N 11,865 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-08T23:47:18.93+00:00

    Welcome Joseph M

    Thank you for the detailed information. I understand how frustrating it is when the files upload successfully but Copilot cannot access their contents.

    Before troubleshooting further, could you clarify whether you are signed in with a personal Microsoft account or a work or school account provided by an organization? Also, are you using the consumer Copilot experience or Microsoft 365 Copilot?

    In meantime, please try the following steps:

    • Start a completely new Copilot chat session instead of reusing the current conversation.
    • Upload a single small test file directly from your device, such as a simple PDF, XLSX, or CSV file under 10 MB.
    • After the upload completes, ask a basic question such as: "Please summarize this file."
    • If the test file works, re-upload one of the original files and test it in the same new conversation.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

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