How to access Copilot

How to access Copilot

by Sarah MacPherson, a product manager, ai enthusiast trying to find the best and most interesting ways to work with this new frontier

How to access the free version of Copilot

Getting started with Microsoft Copilot is easy and doesn't require any special signup process if you already have a Microsoft account.

Go to the Copilot website: Open your web browser and visit copilot.microsoft.com. You'll see the Copilot interface with a text input box.

Sign in with a Microsoft account (optional but recommended): You can use Copilot without signing in, but signing in with a Microsoft account (like an Outlook or Hotmail address) gives you access to conversation history and a better overall experience. Click "Sign in" and enter your Microsoft credentials.

AI prompt: "What are the benefits of signing in to Copilot vs. using it without an account?"

Start chatting: Once you're on the page (signed in or not), you can start typing questions or prompts in the text box. Copilot will respond just like ChatGPT or other chatbots.

If you don't have a Microsoft account

If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can either use Copilot without signing in or create a free account:

  • Go to account.microsoft.com
  • Click "Create a Microsoft account"
  • Follow the prompts to set up your account (provide email, password, and verify your identity)
  • Return to copilot.microsoft.com and sign in

Having a Microsoft account isn't required for basic use, but it enables conversation history and personalization.

Accessing Copilot on mobile

You can use Copilot on your phone or tablet through the mobile browser or dedicated apps:

In a mobile browser: Visit copilot.microsoft.com in Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android). The experience is optimized for mobile screens.

Copilot mobile app: Microsoft offers Copilot apps for iOS and Android. Search for "Microsoft Copilot" in the App Store or Google Play Store. Download, open, and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Bing mobile app: Copilot is also integrated into the Bing mobile app. If you have Bing installed, look for the Copilot icon or chat feature within the app.

Conversations sync across devices when you're signed into the same Microsoft account.

Accessing Copilot in Windows

If you're using Windows 11, Copilot is built into the operating system:

  • Look for the Copilot icon in your taskbar (it looks like a stylized chat bubble or sparkle icon)
  • Click the icon to open Copilot in a sidebar
  • You can ask questions, get help with Windows settings, or use it like the web version

This integration makes it convenient to access Copilot without opening a browser.

Accessing Copilot in Microsoft Edge

If you use the Microsoft Edge browser, Copilot is integrated directly:

  • Look for the Copilot icon in the top right corner of the browser (next to the address bar)
  • Click it to open Copilot in a sidebar while you browse
  • You can ask questions about the webpage you're viewing or use it for general tasks

Accessing Copilot Pro features

If you subscribe to Copilot Pro ($20/month), you'll access premium features the same way:

  • Sign in at copilot.microsoft.com with your Microsoft account
  • Your Pro subscription is tied to your account, so you automatically get priority access and faster responses
  • To use Copilot within Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, etc.), open those apps while signed into your Microsoft account with Copilot Pro

AI prompt: "Show me 5 example tasks I can do with Copilot in Microsoft Word"

Troubleshooting access issues

Can't access copilot.microsoft.com: Make sure you're using a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) and that JavaScript is enabled. Try clearing your browser cache if the page won't load.

Copilot not showing in Windows 11: Make sure your Windows is up to date. Copilot was introduced in recent Windows 11 updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.

Copilot not working in Microsoft 365 apps: To use Copilot in Word, Excel, etc., you need both a Copilot Pro subscription AND a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription. Make sure you're signed in with the correct account.

Regional restrictions: Copilot may not be available in all countries due to regulatory or capacity limitations. If you can't access it, you'll typically see a message explaining why.

What happens after you start using Copilot?

Once you're in, the interface is simple:

  • Type questions or prompts in the text box at the bottom
  • Copilot responds with text (and sometimes images or links)
  • You can continue the conversation by asking follow-up questions
  • Your conversations are saved in the sidebar (if you're signed in) so you can return to them later

If you want to upgrade to Copilot Pro, you'll see an option in your account settings or on the Copilot homepage.

AI prompt: "Give me 5 example questions to try with Copilot to test its capabilities"

Privacy and data

Microsoft uses your Copilot conversations to improve the service. Avoid sharing sensitive personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or private medical details. Review Microsoft's privacy policy to understand how your data is used.

Related resources

Now that you know how to access Copilot, learn what it can do in What is Microsoft Copilot?. Curious about upgrading? See Copilot free vs paid: What do you get?. For detailed usage tips, visit Copilot tips and limitations.