Microsoft Copilot: How to Use Microsoft’s Free AI Assistant in Windows, Edge and Office (2026 Guide)
Learn how to use Microsoft Copilot for free in Windows, Edge and mobile, and what Microsoft 365 Copilot adds in Word, Excel and Outlook.
By admin
Microsoft Copilot brings AI assistance into tools millions of people already use every day, including Windows, the Edge browser, Bing and Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. You can chat with it, generate images, summarise web pages, draft documents and analyse data. A free version is available to everyone, while paid plans unlock deeper integration with Office apps. This guide explains where to find Copilot, what it can do, the difference between plans and how to get useful results.
Table of Contents
What Is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant powered by advanced large language models and Microsoft’s own technology. The consumer version works as a chat assistant on the web, in Windows 11, in the Edge sidebar and through mobile apps. It can answer questions with web results, write and rewrite text, create images and help with everyday tasks. Microsoft 365 Copilot, the business and subscriber version, works inside Office apps using your documents, emails and calendar to give context-aware help.
Because it is built into Windows and Edge, Copilot is often the easiest AI assistant to access for PC users. You can open it with a keyboard shortcut or the Copilot key on newer laptops. It can summarise the page you are reading in Edge, explain a confusing paragraph or compare products while you shop. For many beginners, Microsoft Copilot is their first experience with generative AI because it is already on their computer.
Where to Use Copilot
| Place | Best for |
|---|---|
| Copilot app on Windows | Quick questions, writing, images |
| Edge browser sidebar | Summarising pages and PDFs |
| Copilot mobile app | Chat, voice and image creation on the go |
| Bing search | Answers with cited web sources |
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook | Drafting, analysis and presentations (with eligible plans) |
The free experience covers chat, web answers and image generation with daily limits. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in many regions get some Copilot features inside Office apps, while businesses buy Microsoft 365 Copilot licences for full integration. Features and availability vary by country and plan, so check the official Microsoft Copilot website for the latest details.
How to Start Using Microsoft Copilot
- Open copilot.microsoft.com or the Copilot app in Windows.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account for history and higher limits.
- Type or speak your question.
- Choose follow-up suggestions to dig deeper.
- Use the Edge sidebar to summarise web pages or PDFs.
- Try image creation by describing what you want.
Signing in is recommended, because it saves conversations and unlocks more usage. On mobile, the app supports voice conversations, which is handy while commuting. If you use Windows 11 regularly, pin Copilot to the taskbar for quick access. Keep Windows and Edge updated to get the latest Copilot features, and compare it with other options in our AI writing tools list.
Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
With an eligible plan, Copilot in Word can draft documents from a short prompt, rewrite paragraphs and summarise long files. In Excel, it can explain formulas, highlight trends and create charts from your data. PowerPoint Copilot can turn a document into a presentation draft with slides and speaker notes. Outlook Copilot summarises long email threads and drafts replies. These features save significant time for office workers who handle many documents and emails every day.
Practical Prompt Ideas
- “Summarise this article in five bullet points for a busy manager.”
- “Draft a polite email asking for a meeting next week about the project update.”
- “Explain this Excel formula and suggest a simpler version.”
- “Create a 10-slide outline for a presentation on digital payments in India.”
- “Generate a flat illustration of a coffee shop logo concept without text.”
Good Microsoft Copilot prompts include the purpose, audience and format. Ask Microsoft Copilot to revise its answer if the tone or length is not right. For image prompts, describe style, colours and composition clearly. You can find more creative prompt ideas in our AI profile picture prompts guide, many of which also work in Copilot’s image generator.
Copilot vs ChatGPT and Gemini
Copilot’s biggest strength is integration with Windows and Microsoft 365. If your work happens in Word, Excel and Outlook, it fits naturally. ChatGPT offers a broad set of features and a large ecosystem, while Gemini works best for Gmail and Google Docs users. Claude is popular for long documents and careful writing. Many people use two or more assistants depending on the task. Read our Claude AI guide to compare another strong option.
Copilot for Students and Small Businesses
Students can use Microsoft Copilot to explain topics, generate practice questions and organise notes, while following school rules on AI use. Small business owners can draft product descriptions, reply to customer emails, plan social media posts and create simple promotional images. Because Microsoft Copilot is free to start and already available on most Windows laptops, it is a practical first AI tool for many Indian users who want quick help without installing anything new.
Privacy and Limitations
For work data, use the business version of Copilot that your organisation approves, since it applies enterprise security and data protection. Avoid sharing confidential personal or company information in the free consumer version. Copilot can make mistakes, so verify facts, calculations and citations, especially for important decisions. AI-generated images may carry labels or watermarks, and you should respect copyright when using them commercially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Yes. The consumer Copilot is free with daily limits; Office integration needs eligible paid plans.
How do I open Copilot in Windows 11?
Use the Copilot app from the taskbar or Start menu, or the Copilot key on newer laptops.
Can Copilot create images?
Yes. You can generate images by describing them in the chat.
Does Copilot work in Word and Excel?
Yes, with Microsoft 365 plans that include Copilot features.
Conclusion
Microsoft Copilot makes AI easy to access for Windows and Office users. Use the free version for questions, writing and images, and explore Microsoft 365 Copilot if you work heavily in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Write clear prompts, verify important information and protect sensitive data. Combined with other AI tools, Copilot can significantly boost your daily productivity.