In short. Copilot Chat can create a new prompt that references one cited source specifically, but source persistence across later turns is undocumented.
Definition: Yes. Microsoft documents an Ask Copilot action on an inline citation that creates a new prompt referencing the cited source specifically. The documentation describes a source-specific follow-up, while leaving the duration of that source selection open.
Key facts
- Microsoft's source controls help says Copilot Chat responses include inline citations beside generated information. Hovering a citation allows the source file to open in a side pane and exposes Ask Copilot.
- Microsoft's grounding guidance identifies work data, the web and content attached to a prompt as information Copilot can use. It gives “Use this file only.” as an example of a specific instruction.
- Microsoft's prompt-content guidance says added content can produce more specific and detailed results, and that Copilot Chat can answer questions about that content.
What happens when a citation is used?
An inline citation is a source marker shown beside information generated in a Copilot Chat response. Microsoft's source controls help instructs the reader to find an inline citation and hover over it. The citation menu then offers three documented paths: open the source file in a Copilot Chat side pane, select Ask Copilot to create a new prompt that references that source specifically, or open More actions for tasks such as summarizing files, drafting an email response, or seeing who contributed to the file.
This answers the anchoring question at the prompt level. The follow-up is created from the citation's source, so the cited file becomes the source named by that new prompt. The page calls it a “new prompt”; it does not describe a permanent conversation mode that excludes every other source.
Which sources can still be available?
Copilot's source set is broader than the file shown by one citation. Microsoft describes three inputs for a response: work data such as emails, files, chats, meetings, people, projects, accounts and opportunities; current publicly available web information; and files, images, links or text attached to a prompt. The same guidance says that the Work IQ control determines whether Copilot can reference Microsoft 365 work data.
The source controls help provides a separate Change data sources menu while a prompt is being drafted. Its toggles turn sources on or off, and its Turn off all control turns off all data sources except web search. These controls set the available source scope for the prompt. They do not replace the citation action, which starts a new prompt referring to one selected source.
How can a file-specific follow-up be made clearer?
The grounding guidance recommends adding a file, link or specific instruction when relevant accessible sources are not found, and gives this example:
Use this file only.
It also says to point Copilot at the specific file when several similar files exist and to ask for the publish date and exact section when checking an earlier version. Microsoft separately documents that content added to a prompt can include work content, uploaded images and files, or OneDrive files. It also says that questions can be asked about the added content, including images embedded in PowerPoint presentations and Word documents.
The documented combination is therefore: select Ask Copilot from the citation, then state the file scope when the follow-up requires it. Microsoft leaves the persistence of that scope across later turns undocumented.
Related terms
FAQ
Does Ask Copilot open the cited file?
Yes. When you hover over an inline citation, you can select the source file to open it in a side pane in Copilot Chat. You can also select Ask Copilot to create a new prompt referring to that source.
Can you force every later answer to use only that file?
Microsoft documents the source-specific new prompt and gives “Use this file only.” as an example instruction. The support pages do not specify whether that instruction persists across later turns, so each later follow-up should be checked for its displayed sources.
Sources
- Microsoft Support, "Control and review sources of Microsoft Copilot Chat's responses", undated
- Microsoft Support, "What information does Copilot use to answer my prompt?", undated
- Microsoft Support, "Add content to Microsoft Copilot Chat prompts", undated
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