What Is Microsoft Copilot? A Beginner's Guide

Copilot is Microsoft's version of ChatGPT. It's built into Windows and Edge, so you might already have it without realising.

If you've ever noticed a small icon in your Windows 11 taskbar that looks like a sparkle or a colourful circle, that's probably it. Many people have never clicked it. Here's what happens when you do.

What is Microsoft Copilot?

Copilot is an AI assistant that Microsoft has woven into its products. It can hold a conversation, answer questions, write text for you, summarise documents, and search the web.

Under the bonnet, it runs on the same technology as ChatGPT, because Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI (the company that makes ChatGPT). Copilot and ChatGPT share a lot of DNA, though they're presented differently.

The important thing for most people: if you have Windows 11 or a recent version of the Edge browser, you already have access to Copilot for free.

Where to find Copilot on your Windows computer

There are several ways to open it.

Option 1: The taskbar icon. On Windows 11, look at the bottom right of your screen. There's often a small Copilot icon (it looks like a circle made of blue, green, yellow, and red shapes). Click it to open a Copilot sidebar on the right of your screen.

Option 2: The keyboard shortcut. Press the Windows key and C at the same time. On some keyboards there's a dedicated Copilot key between the right Alt key and the right arrow key.

Option 3: Through Edge. Open the Edge browser and look for a small icon in the top-right corner of the browser window. It looks like a circle or sparkle. Click it to open Copilot in a sidebar while you browse.

Option 4: The website. Go to copilot.microsoft.com in any browser. You don't need to be on Windows to use this.

What can you use Copilot for?

We've tested Copilot across a range of everyday tasks. Here's where it performs well.

Answering questions. Type any question in plain English and it gives a written answer, often with links to sources. Because it can search the web (unlike the basic version of ChatGPT), its information can be more current.

Summarising articles. If you're reading a long article in Edge and want the key points, click the Copilot icon in the sidebar and ask "Can you summarise this page?" It reads the article and gives you a short version.

Writing help. Need to write an email, a message to a neighbour, or a letter of complaint? Describe what you want and Copilot drafts it for you. You can then adjust the wording before you send.

Explaining things on screen. If you highlight a piece of text in Edge, Copilot can explain it, translate it, or expand on it. This is particularly useful for confusing terms in official documents.

General chat and questions. Planning a trip? Wondering what to watch this evening? Trying to understand a letter from your GP? It handles all of these.

Step by step: using Copilot for the first time

Step 1. Open Edge (the blue swirly icon in your taskbar).

Step 2. Look for the Copilot icon in the top right of the browser. It may look like a small circle made of four colours, or a sparkle shape. Click it.

Step 3. A panel opens on the right-hand side of the screen. You'll see a text box at the bottom. Click on it and type your question.

Step 4. Press Enter or click the send arrow.

Step 5. Read the response. You can follow up with more questions in the same conversation.

If you find the panel gets in the way, you can close it by clicking the X in the top right of the Copilot panel.

Copilot in Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel)

There's a more powerful version of Copilot built into Microsoft 365 (which includes Word, Outlook, and Excel). This version can draft documents, write emails based on bullet points you give it, and analyse data in spreadsheets.

This version requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription and usually an additional Copilot licence on top. For most home users, the free version in Windows and Edge is sufficient.

How does Copilot compare to ChatGPT?

They're similar in many ways, because they share underlying technology. The differences come down to where you access them and what extras you get.

Copilot connects to the internet by default, so it can answer questions about current events. The free version of ChatGPT has a knowledge cut-off date, though the paid version can also search the web.

Copilot is already on your Windows computer, which makes it easier to access without setting up a new account. ChatGPT requires you to go to a separate website and create an account.

Copilot integrates with Edge's features, like summarising the page you're on. ChatGPT doesn't have this unless you install a browser extension.

For most everyday tasks, both are equally capable. If you're already using Windows and Edge, starting with Copilot makes sense because it's already there.

Our earlier guide on Copilot has some additional background on how it fits into the Microsoft ecosystem. Our ChatGPT vs Google comparison is also worth reading if you're deciding which AI to use for what.

Privacy and your data

Microsoft processes your Copilot conversations on their servers. By default, conversations may be reviewed to improve the service, though Microsoft provides settings to limit this.

If you're signed in with a Microsoft account, your chat history may be saved. If you'd rather not save it, look for the settings option within Copilot to turn off history.

As with any AI tool, avoid typing passwords, financial details, or anything you'd consider very private. Our staying safe with AI guide covers the general rules that apply across all these tools.

Do you need a Microsoft account to use it?

You can use Copilot in Edge without signing in, but you get fewer daily messages. Signing in with a free Microsoft account (the same one you might use for Outlook email or Xbox) gives you more.

If you have a Microsoft account, sign in when prompted. If you don't have one, you can create one free at microsoft.com.

Is it worth using?

Yes, if you're a Windows user. It's already there. Getting to know it costs nothing and takes five minutes.

Open Edge, click the Copilot icon, and ask it something you've been wondering about. That's the quickest way to find out whether it's useful for the way you work.

Helpful links for beginners

• What is AI? A plain-English overview.
• How to use ChatGPT Similar principles, different platform.
• ChatGPT vs Google: when to use which
• More about Microsoft Copilot
• Staying safe with AI
• Glossary of AI terms
• Microsoft Copilot Try it directly in your browser.
• Microsoft Support: Copilot in Windows Official help and guidance from Microsoft.

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