How to Use Microsoft Copilot in Windows

Applies to: Windows 11
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-06-17

Summary

This article shows you how to use Microsoft Copilot — the free AI assistant built into Windows 11. Copilot can answer questions, generate text, summarize content, adjust Windows settings, and help you work faster — all without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

Prerequisites

• Windows 11 (version 23H2 or later).
• An active internet connection.
• No admin rights required. No paid Copilot license required — this is the free, system-level assistant.

Instructions

1. Open Copilot

Copilot is built into Windows 11 and can be launched in several ways.

1. Press Windows + C on your keyboard. The Copilot panel opens on the right side of your screen.
2. Alternatively, click the Copilot icon in the taskbar — it looks like a colorful ribbon or sparkle near the search bar.
3. If neither option works, open Microsoft Edge and go to copilot.microsoft.com to use Copilot in the browser.

Verification: The Copilot panel opens and displays a chat interface with a text box at the bottom labeled "Ask me anything..." or similar.

2. Ask Questions and Get Answers

Use Copilot as a smart assistant to look things up, explain concepts, or solve quick problems.

1. Click the text box at the bottom of the Copilot panel.
2. Type a question in plain English. Examples:
   • What is the difference between OneDrive and SharePoint?
   • How do I freeze the top row in Excel?
   • Write a polite email declining a meeting invitation
3. Press Enter or click the Send button.
4. Copilot generates a response in the chat panel. Responses may include text, bullet points, links, or step-by-step instructions.
5. To ask a follow-up question, type in the same text box — Copilot remembers the context of your conversation.

3. Generate and Edit Text

Copilot can draft emails, messages, summaries, and other text you can copy into any app.

1. Open the Copilot panel (Windows + C).
2. Type a writing prompt. Examples:
   • Write a professional out-of-office message for next Monday through Friday
   • Summarize the benefits of cloud storage in 3 bullet points
   • Draft a short thank-you note for a colleague who helped with a project
3. Review the generated text in the chat panel.
4. To refine: type a follow-up instruction such as Make it shorter or Change the tone to casual.
5. To use the text: select it with your mouse, right-click, and click Copy (or press Ctrl + C). Then paste it into Outlook, Word, Teams, or any other app.

4. Change Windows Settings with Copilot

Copilot can adjust system settings for you — no need to search through the Settings app.

1. Open the Copilot panel (Windows + C).
2. Type a settings request. Examples:
   • Turn on dark mode
   • Turn on Do Not Disturb
   • Turn on Bluetooth
   • Change my wallpaper
3. Copilot asks for confirmation before making changes. Click Yes to apply the setting.
4. The setting takes effect immediately.

Note: Copilot can only change settings that do not require admin rights. Requests like Turn off Windows Defender or Change the computer name are not supported.

5. Summarize Content from Your Screen

Copilot can help you understand long text, web pages, or documents.

1. Open a web page or document you want to summarize.
2. Open the Copilot panel (Windows + C).
3. Type a request such as:
   • Summarize the page I have open in Edge
   • What are the key points of this article?
4. If you are using Microsoft Edge, Copilot can read the current page and provide a summary.
5. For content outside Edge, copy the text you want summarized (Ctrl + C), then tell Copilot: Summarize this: and paste the text into the chat.

6. Use Copilot for Image Generation

Copilot includes AI image generation powered by DALL-E.

1. Open the Copilot panel (Windows + C).
2. Type an image request. Examples:
   • Create an image of a sunrise over a mountain lake
   • Draw a simple flowchart icon for a presentation
3. Copilot generates one or more images in the chat panel.
4. Click an image to view it full size. Right-click and select Save as to download it.

7. Start a Fresh Conversation

If Copilot's responses become confusing or irrelevant, reset the conversation.

1. In the Copilot panel, click the New topic button (a broom or refresh icon near the text box).
2. The conversation history clears and Copilot starts fresh.
3. Type your new question or request.

Troubleshooting

INFO

Windows Copilot is the free AI assistant included with Windows 11. It is separate from Microsoft 365 Copilot, which is a paid feature that works inside Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. If you need in-app Copilot for M365, see How to Use Microsoft 365 Copilot Basics.

Symptom / Error	Potential Cause	Solution
Copilot icon is missing from the taskbar	Feature disabled or unavailable in your region	Right-click the Taskbar > Taskbar settings and toggle Copilot on. If the toggle is missing, your Windows version may not support it yet — check for updates.
"Copilot isn't available right now"	Internet connection issue	Verify your internet connection. Copilot requires an active connection to function.
Windows + C shortcut does nothing	Keyboard shortcut disabled or reassigned	Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and confirm Copilot is enabled. Try clicking the taskbar icon instead.
Copilot gives irrelevant or outdated answers	Conversation context is cluttered	Click the New topic button to reset the conversation and try a more specific prompt.
Copilot cannot change a setting	Setting requires admin access	Some system settings are locked by your organization. Ask IT to make the change for you, naming the exact setting and what you need it set to.
Copilot panel is very slow	High system load or slow connection	Close unnecessary apps and check your internet speed. Try again in a few minutes.

Related Articles

• How to Use Microsoft 365 Copilot Basics
• How to Use Microsoft Copilot in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams — Practical Prompt Guide
• How to Use Focus Assist on Windows
• How to Use Windows Search to Find Files, Apps, and Settings
• How to Take Screenshots on Windows
• How to Change Your Desktop Wallpaper and Lock Screen
• Understanding Windows Recall — What It Records and Your Privacy

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