Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft’s AI companion for Windows, Edge, mobile, and even Office 365. Discover what it is, what makes it different, and how to use it for free.
Content
- What Is Microsoft Copilot?
- What Can Copilot Do?
- What Makes Copilot Different From Other AI Chatbots
- How to Use Microsoft Copilot
What Is Microsoft Copilot?
Replacing Bing Chat, Copilot is Microsoft’s AI chatbot assistant that’s powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4. It’s built into multiple Microsoft tools, such as Windows, the Edge browser, and Microsoft 365 tools. While many features are free, you can upgrade to the premium versions for faster responses and integration into Office 365 tools. Consider it Microsoft’s version of ChatGPT.
What Can Copilot Do?
Microsoft Copilot can help with everything from summarizing search query results to showing you how to change settings in Windows. Some of the most useful tasks include:
- Use voice, text, and images to chat with Copilot
- Summarize search queries, web pages, and documents
- Research topics
- Create images (uses DALL-E 3)
- Create text content (emails, blogs, stories, etc.)
- Make reservations
- Shop online
- Compose songs
- Boost Microsoft 365 apps, such as creating a spreadsheet template from a prompt
- Change Windows settings, or at least be taken to the correct screen to change settings
What Makes Copilot Different From Other AI Chatbots
Currently, Microsoft is offering access to GPT-4 for free. Most other services, including ChatGPT, only offer GPT-3.5 for free. Plus, it’s being integrated into many Microsoft services, including Windows, so you don’t have to log in to a separate service or platform to use it. This makes it more convenient.
It also offers a growing number of plugins, such as Suno (for creating songs) and Instacart (for recipes and grocery delivery), to bring even more features. All of this is currently free.
How to Use Microsoft Copilot
Unlike many other AI chatbots, Microsoft Copilot isn’t available in just one place. In fact, if you’re using the latest version of Windows, it may already be built in to your desktop experience. Making Copilot easier to find and use could help give this chatbot an advantage.
Just pick where you want to use it, enter your prompt or query, and start interacting. If you want to save your chats and results, sign in to your Microsoft account.
Through the Copilot Website
If you just want to check out Copilot on any device, go to the Microsoft Copilot website. You don’t even need to log in to anything to use it. Choose from a suggested prompt, select a conversation style, and enter your prompt. Follow up with more information or questions as you get your results.
Also check out other Copilot GPTs, which are more focused versions of Copilot in the sidebar. Try Designer, Vacation Planner, Cooking Assistant, and Fitness Trainer. Businesses and professionals can also use the Copilot Studio to create their own Copilot GPTs.
Within the Copilot Sidebar
Currently, Copilot isn’t available on all Windows desktops. Windows 10 capabilities are still limited, even if it is available. Update to the latest version of Windows 11 to access the latest Copilot features.
If the Copilot Sidebar is available in Windows, you’ll see a small multicolored icon in your notification tray or taskbar. For me, it’s in the notification tray to the right of the clock.
Click the icon to bring up a small version of the Copilot website. It works the same way.
In Microsoft Edge
If you use the Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft Copilot is built in. If Edge isn’t responding, try these quick fixes.
Open Edge and click the Copilot icon in the search box to open the Copilot website. Or, enter your search query, and Edge will give you a summary just above the standard search results. Keep chatting below the summary if you want more information.
Edge also features its own Copilot Sidebar. Open Edge and click the blue and green Copilot icon in the top right. It works just like the desktop version.
By Downloading the Copilot Mobile App
If you don’t need Bing Search, download the Copilot mobile app (iOS | Android). It’s a combination of Bing Search and Copilot and works the same as the other methods, but in a handy app form.
Within Bing Search or Bing Mobile
If you love using Bing Search or the Bing mobile app, Copilot is included. For search, open Bing.com in your favorite browser on any device, then click the Microsoft Copilot icon beside the search box. Or, enter your search query, and tap the Copilot filter below the search box. Both methods open Copilot for you to begin interacting.
On the Bing mobile app, tap the Copilot icon in the bottom center on the main page, then use Copilot as normal.
Inside Microsoft 365
Most of Microsoft Copilot is free to use. But if you want to integrate it into Microsoft 365, such as with Word and Excel, pricing starts at $20/month. However, once added, you can use it with a variety of 365 tools. Click the Copilot button or icon (placement depends on the Microsoft 365 app) to start using the tool.
Remember, if you’re using any AI tool to help you write, make sure you use it ethically. If you’re interested in other AI chatbots, try these ChatGPT alternatives. Or, if you’re a macOS user, try these ChatGPT alternative desktop apps.
All images and screenshots by Crystal Crowder
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Crystal Crowder –
Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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