Microsoft Copilot modes explained – Precise vs Creative vs Balanced

We’ve already talked about what Microsoft Copilot is, and what makes it more powerful that other AI tools like ChatGPT, especially if you’re using it on a Windows-powered laptop or desktop. However, few people know that you can also customise Copilot’s responses in terms of tonality when you use the AI tool.

Yes, we’re talking about the three different modes Copilot will offer – Precise, Creative and Balanced. Using any of the three can change your results slightly or drastically based on the complexity of your prompts. That’s precisely why knowing what these modes are and how they differ are key to making the most out of Microsoft Copilot.

Overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’re here to break down each mode for you and explain when you should use each.

Microsoft Copilot – Precise mode

The Precise mode on Copilot is what you should use when you want more information and less fluff. The mode will keep things precise, short, and to-the-point. Unless you ask for information at length, or around a topic that requires a lengthy response, expect responses to be more factual in nature.

ALSO READ: 5 Microsoft Copilot features you should know about

This mode is great for getting information out of Copilot, or when you want a compressed version of larger data. For instance, when you want to ask Copilot which are the most populated cities of the world, or when you want it to summarise a book for you, Precise is the best mode to choose.

Microsoft Copilot – Creative mode

The Creative mode is when you want elements like wordplay, rhyming, and a general touch of writing flair to take precedence over facts and figures. The Creative mode is great for tailoring information in a particular way.

For instance, if you want information on a complex topic in an easier-to-understand format, or if you want something like a catchy jingle or a creative copy, Creative is the mode to choose.

Microsoft Copilot – Balanced mode

You have probably pieced it together already, but the Balanced mode is for when you want the best of both Precise and Creative modes. Essentially, you want a short, to-the-point response with a touch of creativity.

When to use Balanced mode really depends on the particular use-cases you are using Copilot for, but a good approach to follow is to use the Balanced mode when you’re not sure which mode to use.

By using it as your default mode of tonality in responses, you get the best of precision and creativity, and should you not be happy with the responses, you will then know if you should hop on to the Precise or Creative modes for your next prompt.

Copilot: Precise vs Creative vs Balanced

Here’s how the responses to the same prompt differ across the different tonality modes offered by Microsoft Copilot.

Prompt – Write a jingle for a car-making brand that specialises in off-road vehicles, in under 10 words.

Precise response – “Rough Trails, Smooth Rides, Always Guide!”

Creative response – “Conquer trails, ride wild—Adventure calls, go the extra mile!”

Balanced response – “Mud, rocks, and adventure await—our rugged rides never hesitate!”

As you can see, the three responses differ quite a bit. The Precise response is the shortest, and focuses on the USP of our imaginary car – smooth rides on rough terrain.

The Creative response adds in a rhyme scheme and helps readers visualise the imaginary car better with references to an “adventure” as well as the car offering to go “the extra mile”.

The Balanced mode offers a crisp response in the first half – highlighting that the car is great for terrain like mud and rocks, but also throws in a rhyme towards the end of the response, adding the touch of creativity that was simply missing in the Precise mode.

ALSO READ: Windows keyboards to get a new dedicated Copilot key

We hope this blog has helped you understand the difference between the three tonality modes offered by Microsoft Copilot. Keep in mind that the modes show up only if you’re using Copilot natively on a Windows-powered laptop or desktop, or from the Edge browser. So, if you’re using the iOS/Android apps, the modes will not show up.

Feel free to experiment with all three modes the next time you use Microsoft Copilot so you get a better idea about which mode is the best for your personal use-cases. Also remember that within each mode, you can also use subsequent prompts to fine tune the tonality of your response without completely switching the mode.