Microsoft Copilot for Windows is available right now, built into Windows 11 and free to download for Windows 10. If you want an AI assistant integrated into your desktop, Copilot is the most accessible option — no third-party account required beyond a Microsoft account. This guide covers what Copilot does, how to get it, and what to expect day-to-day.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant developed by Microsoft, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 model. It answers questions, generates text, creates images using DALL-E 3, and can interact with other Microsoft 365 apps when you have a Microsoft account. Microsoft integrated Copilot into Windows 11 in September 2023 via an OS update, and it is also available as a standalone web app at copilot.microsoft.com. There is a free tier and a paid Copilot Pro plan ($20/month) that adds faster responses and priority access during peak hours.
Can you use Microsoft Copilot on PC?
Yes — Copilot for PC runs natively on Windows 11 without any additional download. On Windows 11, it is built in and accessible from the taskbar. On Windows 10, Microsoft released a standalone Copilot app through the Microsoft Store in 2024. You can also use Copilot in the Edge browser sidebar on any Windows version. No special hardware is required beyond an internet connection and a Microsoft account.
How to install and use Microsoft Copilot on Windows 10/11
Windows 11 — built-in Copilot
- Make sure Windows 11 is updated (Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates)
- Look for the Copilot icon in the taskbar (looks like a stylized C or sparkle icon)
- Click it to open the Copilot panel on the right side of the screen
- Sign in with your Microsoft account for full functionality
- If you don’t see the icon, go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → enable Copilot
Windows 10 — Microsoft Store app
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu
- Search for “Microsoft Copilot”
- Click “Get” to download and install the free app
- Launch from the Start menu and sign in with your Microsoft account
Browser — any Windows version
- Open Microsoft Edge or any browser and go to copilot.microsoft.com
- Sign in with your Microsoft account
- Start using Copilot immediately at no cost
You can also check out Android emulators for PC if you need to run mobile apps alongside Copilot. For video editing tools on Windows, see CapCut for PC or KineMaster for PC.
Key features
- Conversational AI chat powered by GPT-4
- Image generation via DALL-E 3, free with a Microsoft account
- Web search integration — answers include cited sources
- Windows system control — can change settings, open apps, summarize screen content
- Microsoft 365 integration (Word, Excel, Outlook) with a Microsoft 365 subscription
- Edge browser sidebar integration for page summarization
- Voice input and output
- Plugin and extension support
- Copilot Pro — priority access, faster GPT-4 Turbo, and Microsoft 365 Copilot features
- Mobile app for iOS and Android (syncs with PC conversations)
System requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (via Store app) | Windows 11 (built-in) |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 200 MB free | 500 MB free |
| Internet | Required | 10 Mbps or faster |
| Account | Microsoft account (free) | Microsoft 365 for full Office integration |
Common issues and fixes
Copilot icon missing from taskbar in Windows 11
Right-click the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” Under “Taskbar items,” toggle Copilot on. If the toggle is missing, your Windows 11 version may be older than 23H2 — run Windows Update to install the latest version.
Copilot gives outdated or wrong information
Copilot has web search built in, but it does not always use it. If you need current information, explicitly ask it to search the web: “Search the web for [topic].” Alternatively, use the “Search” conversation style in the Copilot interface, which prioritizes real-time results.
Microsoft Store won’t install the Copilot app on Windows 10
Make sure your Windows 10 is on version 1903 or later and that the Microsoft Store itself is updated. Go to the Microsoft Store, click the three-dot menu, and select “Downloads and updates” → “Get updates.” Then retry the Copilot installation.
Alternatives to Microsoft Copilot for PC
- ChatGPT — a dedicated AI chat app from OpenAI with a Windows desktop client and deeper conversation memory options
- Google Gemini — Google’s AI assistant, available at gemini.google.com, strong at tasks connected to Gmail, Drive, and Docs
- Perplexity AI — focuses on research with cited sources, useful when accuracy of information matters
FAQ
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Yes. The free version of Copilot is available to anyone with a Microsoft account. Copilot Pro costs $20/month and adds priority access to GPT-4 Turbo and deeper Microsoft 365 integration.
Does Copilot come with Windows 11?
Yes. Microsoft added Copilot to Windows 11 via an update in late 2023 (version 23H2). If you have Windows 11 and it is fully updated, Copilot should already be on your taskbar.
Can I use Microsoft Copilot on Windows 10?
Yes, through the Microsoft Store app or at copilot.microsoft.com in a browser. Windows 10 does not have the built-in taskbar integration that Windows 11 has.
Is Copilot the same as Bing Chat?
Yes. Microsoft rebranded Bing Chat as Copilot in late 2023. The underlying technology is the same — GPT-4 with Bing web search integration.
Does Copilot work without a Microsoft account?
You can use Copilot at copilot.microsoft.com without signing in for basic chat, but image generation, conversation history, and Microsoft 365 integration all require a free Microsoft account.
Microsoft Copilot is the most frictionless AI assistant for Windows users — particularly on Windows 11 where it requires no separate download. It is not as feature-rich as some paid alternatives, but for everyday questions and quick tasks, it does the job without any additional cost or setup. You might also find it useful alongside tools like SuperVPN for PC for secure browsing, or VidMate for PC for video downloads.
