How-to-Access-Microsoft-Copilot

How to Access Microsoft Copilot: Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide

Microsoft Copilot is a powerful AI assistant built into Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. It helps you write content, summarize documents, create emails, generate Excel formulas and even manage PC settings. But many users still don’t know where Copilot is located or how to open it because its placement varies by Windows version and Microsoft 365 plan.

This quick guide explains the simplest ways to access Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11, in Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook as well as on the web and mobile. It is designed to help beginners start using Copilot easily and with confidence.

What Is Microsoft Copilot? A Quick Overview

Before diving into the methods, it is very helpful to understand what Copilot actually is. Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant built using advanced models that can understand text, generate answers, and automate tasks. It is integrated into:

  • Windows 11 (system-wide assistant)
  • Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote)
  • The web (Bing and Edge)
  • Mobile apps (Android & iOS)

This means you can access Copilot from multiple places based on your needs. The steps below cover all of them in detail.

1. How to Access Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11

Windows 11 includes Copilot as a built-in AI companion that can help you perform system tasks, answer questions, draft messages, adjust settings, and much more. Here’s how to open it.

Method 1: Access Copilot from the Taskbar (Default)

Most Windows 11 PCs display the Copilot icon directly on the taskbar.

Steps:

  1. Look at the taskbar on the bottom of your screen.
  2. Find the Copilot icon (a sparkle/star-like AI symbol).
  3. Click it to launch Copilot instantly.

If you don’t see the icon, it may be hidden or turned off. You can re-enable it by:

  1. Right-click the taskbar.
  2. Click Taskbar settings.
  3. Turn on the switch for Copilot.

This is the simplest and most common way to access Copilot.

Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Open Copilot

Microsoft provides shortcuts that instantly launch Copilot without clicking any icons.

Shortcut 1: Win + C

Press Windows Key + C to open Copilot anytime.

Shortcut 2: Copilot Key (New Keyboards)

Newer PCs come with a dedicated Copilot key near the Spacebar. Pressing it opens Copilot immediately.

Shortcut 3: Alt + Spacebar (Some Versions)

In certain Windows builds, Alt + Spacebar brings up a quick Copilot window.

These shortcuts work even if the taskbar icon is hidden.

Method 3: Access Copilot from the Start Menu

If the taskbar icon is missing:

  1. Click the Start Menu.
  2. Type Copilot in the search bar.
  3. Click the Copilot app from the results.

This method works even if Copilot was unpinned from the taskbar.

Method 4: Use Your Voice (“Hey Copilot”)

If voice activation is turned on, you can simply say:

“Hey Copilot”

This launches the assistant and lets you have a hands-free conversation.

To turn on voice activation:

  1. Open Copilot.
  2. Click the Settings icon.
  3. Enable Voice activation or Press to talk.

This is especially helpful for accessibility or multitasking.

Method 5: Create a Desktop Shortcut for Copilot

You can create a quick-launch shortcut on your desktop.

Steps:

  1. Right-click your desktop → New → Shortcut
  2. Paste this command:

microsoft-edge://?ux=copilot&tcp=1&source=taskbar

  1. Click Next, name it Copilot, and hit Finish.

Now you have a desktop icon that opens Copilot with a single click.

2. How to Access Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Microsoft 365 apps have their own Copilot integration separate from Windows. This version of Copilot helps create documents, generate Excel formulas, rewrite emails, design presentations and more.

Here’s how to find it inside each app.

Step 1: Open Any Microsoft 365 App

Copilot appears in:

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Outlook
  • OneNote

Open the app you want to work in.

Step 2: Look for the Copilot Button in the Ribbon

In most apps, Copilot appears in the Home tab on the ribbon.

The button is labeled Copilot with a sparkle/star icon.

Example placements:

  • Word: Home → Copilot (for writing documents)
  • Excel: Home → Copilot / or sparkle icon near formula bar
  • PowerPoint: Home → Copilot (for slide generation)
  • Outlook: Message → Copilot (for rewriting or drafting emails)

Clicking the Copilot button opens the Copilot panel on the right side of the screen.

Step 3: Make Sure You’re Signed In with the Right Account

Copilot in Office apps requires a compatible Microsoft 365 plan.

Go to:

File → Account

Check if you’re signed in with a work, school, or personal account that supports Copilot.

If Copilot is missing:

  1. Go to File → Account → Account Privacy
  2. Click Manage Settings
  3. Make sure “Experiences that analyze your content” is enabled.

This setting allows Copilot to operate inside your documents.

3. How to Access Microsoft Copilot on the Web

Even if you don’t have Windows 11 or a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can still access Copilot online.

Microsoft offers a web-based Copilot at:

copilot.microsoft.com

This online version allows you to:

  • Chat with AI
  • Generate text
  • Ask questions
  • Create summaries
  • Use plugins and GPT-style tools

All you need is a Microsoft account.

4. How to Access Copilot in Microsoft Edge Browser

Microsoft Edge has Copilot built directly into the sidebar.

Steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Look at the right side of the browser.
  3. Click the Copilot icon in the sidebar.

If the sidebar is hidden:

  • Click the small Sidebar button in the bottom-right corner to show it.

This version can analyze websites, PDFs, images, or articles you open in Edge.

5. How to Access Microsoft Copilot on Mobile (Android & iOS)

Microsoft offers a mobile app for Copilot.

Method 1: Install the Copilot App

Download from:

  • Android: Google Play Store
  • iPhone: Apple App Store

Search for Microsoft Copilot and install it.

The mobile app can:

  • Write messages
  • Summarize text
  • Generate images
  • Answer questions
  • Translate content

It works similarly to ChatGPT or other AI chat apps.

6. Reasons You Might Not See Copilot

If Copilot is not showing, here are common reasons:

  • Your Windows version is outdated
  • You are using Windows 10 (Copilot is not fully supported)
  • Your Microsoft 365 plan doesn’t include Copilot
  • Your Office apps are not updated
  • The Copilot button is turned off in settings
  • Your organization or administrator has disabled Copilot

Updating Windows or Microsoft 365 often fixes the issue.

Conclusion

Microsoft Copilot is one of the most powerful AI tools integrated into Windows and Microsoft 365. Whether you want to use it for writing, researching, analyzing data, creating presentations, or performing system tasks, accessing Copilot is easy once you know where to look.

From the taskbar and keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 to the ribbon buttons in Office apps and the dedicated web and mobile versions, Copilot is available across multiple platforms. By using the methods in this guide, you can quickly open and use Copilot whenever you need AI-powered assistance.

FAQs

1. What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant built into Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 apps. It helps with writing, summarizing, data analysis, presentations, emails, and PC tasks.

2. Do I need Windows 11 to use Copilot?

Copilot works best on Windows 11, but you can still access it through the web version at copilot.microsoft.com on any device.

3. Why can’t I see Copilot on my Windows 11 taskbar?

Your PC may not have the latest update, the Copilot toggle may be disabled in taskbar settings, or your region may not support it yet.

4. How do I turn on Copilot in Windows 11?

Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → enable Copilot. It will appear instantly on your taskbar.

5. Is Copilot free to use?

Yes, the basic version is free. However, features inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint may require a Copilot Pro or Microsoft 365 subscription.

6. How do I access Copilot in Microsoft Word?

Open Word and look for the Copilot icon in the ribbon. If available, you can use it to write drafts, summaries, or rewrite content.

7. Can I use Copilot on my phone?

Yes. You can access Copilot from the Edge mobile app or by visiting copilot.microsoft.com on your browser.

8. Why is Copilot missing in Office apps?

It may require a Microsoft 365 subscription, or your app might not be updated to the latest version.

9. Can I use Copilot in Excel to create formulas?

Yes. Select your data, open Copilot in Excel, and ask it to generate formulas, analyze trends, or summarize results.

10. Do I need a Microsoft account to use Copilot?

Yes. Copilot requires you to sign in with a Microsoft account for full access and syncing.

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