Microsoft Copilot: What It Is and How to Use It
Copilot is Microsoft’s free AI assistant. It’s built into Windows and Edge, answers questions with web results, writes drafts, creates images and can work inside Word, Excel and PowerPoint on paid plans.
The company behind it
Yes, chat, images and voice
Microsoft 365 plans in the US
Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Is Copilot right for you?
A quick answer before you read the full guide.
Best for
Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want AI in Word, Excel, Outlook and the Edge browser.
Skip it if
You live in Google apps (try Gemini) or mainly want deep writing help on long documents (try Claude).
Is free enough?
Yes for everyday chat, web answers and images. Pay only if you want Copilot inside the Office apps.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant made by Microsoft. You can chat with it at copilot.microsoft.com, in the Copilot app, in the Edge browser, or from the Copilot key and taskbar on Windows PCs.
It answers questions using live web results with links, writes and rewrites text, creates images, and understands photos. With a paid Microsoft 365 plan, it also works directly inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Windows users
Quick help right from the taskbar or the Copilot key on newer PCs.
Office users
Draft documents in Word, analyze data in Excel and build slides in PowerPoint on paid plans.
Everyday users
Web answers with sources, trip ideas, recipes and free image creation.
How does Copilot work?
Copilot runs on large language models, including models from OpenAI and Microsoft’s own, combined with Microsoft’s Bing search. That means it can write naturally and also pull in current information from the web.
In Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot can use the document or email you have open as context. Like any AI tool, it can make mistakes, so check important facts and numbers.
Type, speak or add a photo
Pulls web results when needed
An answer with source links
Follow-ups improve the answer
Key benefits of Copilot
What Copilot does well for everyday users.
Built into Windows
No setup needed on most Windows PCs. Open it from the taskbar or Copilot key.
Answers with sources
Web-grounded answers include links so you can check the facts.
Free image creation
Describe a picture and Copilot creates it, free with a Microsoft account.
Voice and vision
Talk to it out loud, or show it a photo and ask questions.
Works in Office apps
On paid plans, write in Word, analyze in Excel and design in PowerPoint.
Free to start
No sign-in needed for basic chat. Sign in for history and images.
How to use Copilot
You can get started in a few minutes.
Step 1: Open Copilot
Go to copilot.microsoft.com, open the Copilot app, or click Copilot in Windows or Edge.
Step 2: Sign in (optional)
Use a free Microsoft account to save chats and create images.
Step 3: Ask your question
Type or tap the microphone. Be specific about what you need.
Step 4: Add a photo or file
Upload an image or document and ask Copilot about it.
Step 5: Check the sources
Click the source links on web answers to verify key facts.
Step 6: Use it in Office
With a paid plan, look for the Copilot button in Word, Excel and Outlook.
6 prompts to try in Copilot
Copy one of these into Copilot and change the details to fit you.
Quick research
"What changed in the latest Windows 11 update? Give me 5 bullet points with sources."
Email draft
"Write a short, polite email asking my manager for Friday off next week."
Excel help
"Write an Excel formula that totals column C where column B says 'Paid'."
Image
"Create a cozy autumn illustration of a reading nook with a cat, warm colors."
Photo question
Upload a photo of a plant and ask: "What plant is this and how do I care for it?"
Planning
"Plan a simple weekly dinner menu for a family of four on a budget."
Is Copilot free?
Yes. Copilot’s basic version is free. Paid Microsoft 365 plans add higher limits and Copilot inside the Office apps. US prices as of October 2026.
Free: $0
Chat, web answers with sources, image creation, voice and photo questions.
Personal: $9.99/month
Office apps, 1 TB storage and higher Copilot usage than free. Family is $12.99 for up to 6 people.
Premium: $19.99/month
The most Copilot usage for individuals, plus Copilot inside the desktop Office apps.
Copilot Pro was retired in 2025 and replaced by Microsoft 365 Premium. Business plans are priced separately. Prices change often, so check Microsoft’s website for the latest. Want formula help without paying? See how to use free AI for Excel formulas.
Is Copilot safe for your data?
Copilot is safe for everyday use, but don’t share passwords, card numbers or confidential work files with any AI chat.
Signed-in users can control whether their conversations are used to train Microsoft’s AI. Open Copilot, go to your profile or Settings, then Privacy, and review the model training options for text and voice.
Work and school accounts using Microsoft 365 Copilot follow your organization’s data protections. Learn more in is it safe to share personal info with AI chatbots?
Copilot alternatives
Want to compare? These popular AI tools also have free plans.
ChatGPT
Made by OpenAI. A strong all-rounder for writing, questions and learning. Read the guide.
Google Gemini
Made by Google. Best if you use Gmail, Docs and Android. Read the guide.
Perplexity
An AI search engine that answers with source links. Read the guide.
Copilot questions and common problems
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Yes. Copilot on the web, in Windows, in Edge and in the mobile app is free. Using Copilot inside Word, Excel and PowerPoint requires a paid Microsoft 365 plan.
Is Copilot the same as ChatGPT?
No. Copilot is made by Microsoft and uses models from OpenAI and Microsoft, plus Bing search. ChatGPT is OpenAI’s own app. They feel similar but have different features.
Why don't I see Copilot in Word or Excel?
You need an eligible paid Microsoft 365 plan and to be signed in with that account. Update your Office apps and restart them.
Do I need a Microsoft account?
No for basic chat. Signing in with a free Microsoft account saves your chat history and unlocks image creation and longer conversations.
What happened to Copilot Pro?
Microsoft retired the standalone Copilot Pro plan in 2025. Its features moved into Microsoft 365 Premium.
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