How to Use Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11

Microsoft Copilot is a free AI assistant built into Windows 11. Ask it questions, summarize documents, draft emails, and more — right from your taskbar.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Open Copilot
2.Ask a Question
3.Get Help Writing
4.Change Windows Settings with Copilot
5.Choose Between Chat Modes

Open Copilot

~21s

Look for the Copilot icon on your taskbar — it looks like a colorful circular design. Click it to open the Copilot panel on the right side of your screen. If you do not see it, go to SettingsPersonalizationTaskbar and make sure Copilot is toggled on.

Quick Tip

You can also open Copilot by pressing the Windows key + C on your keyboard.

Ask a Question

~16s

Click in the text box at the bottom of the Copilot panel and type your question. For example: "What is a good gift for a 70-year-old man?" or "Explain what a W-2 form is." Press Enter or click the Send button. Copilot responds in a few seconds.

Get Help Writing

~23s

To draft a letter or email, ask Copilot directly: "Write a letter to my landlord asking to fix a leaking pipe" or "Help me write a thank-you note to my doctor." Copilot writes a draft. Copy and paste the text into your email or Word document and personalize it.

Quick Tip

You can say "Make it shorter" or "Make it more formal" after Copilot writes something — it adjusts based on your feedback.

Change Windows Settings with Copilot

~15s

You can ask Copilot to adjust your PC settings. Type: "Turn on Dark Mode," "Make my text bigger," or "Open the Volume settings." Copilot will either do it automatically or show you exactly where to click.

Choose Between Chat Modes

~18s

At the top of the Copilot panel, look for conversation style options: "More Creative," "More Balanced," or "More Precise." For factual questions, choose "More Precise." For brainstorming or creative writing, choose "More Creative."

Warning

Copilot can occasionally give incorrect information — especially for medical, legal, or financial questions. Always verify important answers with an official source.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Use Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant built directly into Windows 11. You do not need to download anything or sign up for a new service — it is already on your computer if you have Windows 11 with recent updates. Press the Copilot button on your taskbar (it looks like a colorful swirl icon) and a panel opens on the right side of your screen where you can type questions and get instant, helpful responses.

Copilot is powered by the same technology that runs Bing Chat and is based on large language models. It can answer general knowledge questions, help you write a letter or email, explain a confusing bill, summarize long documents, and even control some Windows settings like turning on Dark Mode or adjusting your screen brightness.

One of Copilot's most practical features for everyday users is its ability to help with writing. If you need to write a complaint letter to a company, wish your grandson a happy birthday in an email, or fill out a confusing form — Copilot can draft a starting point that you then edit to your taste.

Copilot also has a "web browsing" mode where it searches the internet and gives you a summarized answer with source links. This is faster than searching Google manually and often more helpful for complex questions.

Copilot is included for free with Windows 11 and works best with a Microsoft account. The service is connected to Bing, so it can access current information and is not limited by a knowledge cutoff the way some AI tools are.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

Copilot

Windows 11

Microsoft

assistant