What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant that is built into Microsoft products like Windows, Edge, Bing, and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). You can chat with it just like other AI tools, but it also works directly inside the apps you may already use every day at work or at home.
Best Use Cases
Everyday Questions and Tasks
Copilot is easy to access right from the Windows taskbar or the Edge browser. You can ask it questions, get summaries of web pages, or have it help you with quick tasks.
Try this prompt: "What is the weather forecast for Manchester this weekend, and should I bring an umbrella?"
Help with Microsoft Office Documents
If you use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, Copilot can help you draft documents, create formulas, design slides, and more, all without leaving the app.
Try this prompt (in Word): "Draft a one-page letter to my child's school requesting a week off for a family holiday."
Web Search with AI Summaries
When you search the web using Bing or Edge, Copilot can summarise the results and give you a clear, direct answer instead of a list of links.
Try this prompt: "Compare the running costs of a petrol car versus an electric car in the UK."
Getting Started
- Open Microsoft Edge browser or click the Copilot icon on your Windows taskbar. You can also visit copilot.microsoft.com.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account (the same one you use for Outlook, Hotmail, or Xbox).
- Type a question or request in the chat box and press Enter. Try: "Give me a simple recipe for banana bread."
Tips for Beginners
- If you use Windows 11, you can access Copilot by pressing the Windows key and typing "Copilot", or by visiting copilot.microsoft.com. (Note: Microsoft has been reducing Copilot's presence in the taskbar and built-in apps during 2026, so the icon may not appear by default.)
- Copilot in Edge can summarise any webpage you are reading. Just click the Copilot icon in the browser sidebar.
- The free version is great for general questions and web searches. Microsoft 365 Copilot (paid) adds AI features inside Word, Excel, and other Office apps.
- You can ask Copilot to change your Windows settings, like turning on dark mode or adjusting your display. Just describe what you want in plain English.