How to Use Microsoft Copilot on Windows

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant built directly into Windows 11. It works similarly to asking a question on Google, but instead of showing you a list of websites, it gives you a direct answer and can perform actions on your computer. You can ask it to open apps, summarize documents, write an email draft, or explain what a Windows setting does.

Copilot is powered by the same technology as ChatGPT (both are developed with OpenAI's technology). Microsoft has integrated it tightly into Windows so it understands your computer's context — for example, you can ask it to help troubleshoot a problem you are currently experiencing, and it understands you are referring to Windows, not the web in general.

You can open Copilot by pressing the Windows key + C, or by clicking the Copilot icon in the taskbar (it looks like a colorful swirled circle). Copilot opens as a sidebar panel on the right side of your screen, so you can keep it open while working.

Copilot can also summarize content from Microsoft Edge (the browser) — if you are reading a long article and want a quick summary, Copilot can do that in seconds. It works with Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Outlook, Teams) if you have those subscriptions.

For everyday Windows users, the most practical uses are: getting help when something is not working, writing a quick email, explaining settings in plain language, and searching for information without switching to a browser.