How to Use Microsoft Copilot

What you will learn

In this guide, you will learn how to use Microsoft Copilot, which is Microsoft’s free AI assistant. It can answer questions, help you write, summarize long texts, and search the internet for current information. You can use it in your web browser, in the Edge browser, or on a Windows computer.

What you need

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
• A web browser (any browser works, but Edge has Copilot built in)
• A Microsoft account is optional but recommended for saving conversations

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Open Microsoft Copilot

Open your web browser and go to copilot.microsoft.com. You will see the Copilot interface with a text box where you can start asking questions.

You can start using Copilot immediately without creating an account. However, if you sign in with a Microsoft account, your conversations will be saved.

Step 2: Sign in (optional but recommended)

If you have a Microsoft account (the same one you use for Outlook, Hotmail, or Windows), click Sign in at the top right corner. This lets Copilot save your conversations and give you more features.

If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can still use Copilot without signing in.

Step 3: Ask your first question

In the text box, type a question or request. For example:

• “What is blood pressure and why does it matter?”
• “Help me write an email to reschedule a meeting”
• “What happened in the news today?”

Press Enter or tap the send button. Copilot will search the internet if needed and write its answer, often with links to sources you can check.

Step 4: Use it for writing and summarizing

Copilot is very good at helping you write. Try:

• “Write a short birthday message for my sister”
• “Summarize the main points of this article: [paste text]”
• “Rewrite this paragraph in simpler language: [paste text]”

You can keep asking it to adjust the tone, length, or style until you are happy with the result.

Step 5: Try Copilot in the Edge browser

If you use Microsoft Edge as your web browser, Copilot is built right in. Look for the Copilot icon in the top right corner of the Edge browser (it looks like a small blue circle). Click it to open a sidebar where you can:

• Ask questions about the website you are currently viewing
• Summarize a long article you are reading
• Get help with forms or documents on the page

Step 6: Start a new conversation

When you want to change the topic, click the New topic or New chat button. This starts a fresh conversation. Previous conversations are available in your history if you are signed in.

Tips

• Copilot can search the internet. Unlike the free version of ChatGPT, Copilot can look up current information online. This makes it better for recent news, current prices, or up-to-date facts.
• Check the sources. Copilot often provides links to the websites where it found its information. Click these links to verify the information directly.
• Use it on Windows. On Windows 11, you can open Copilot by pressing the Windows key + C on your keyboard, or by clicking the Copilot icon in the taskbar.
• As with all AI, verify important answers. Copilot is helpful but not always correct. For medical, legal, or financial decisions, always consult a professional.