How to Install Microsoft Copilot: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft Copilot is becoming one of the most essential AI tools built into the Microsoft ecosystem. From helping you write emails and summarize documents to creating presentations, analyzing Excel data, and even controlling system settings, Copilot makes your workflow faster and more efficient.
But many users still ask: How do you install Microsoft Copilot?
This confusion is common because Copilot is not installed like a regular app. Instead, it comes through Windows updates, Microsoft 365 apps, and the Edge browser.

This guide explains every method to install or enable Microsoft Copilot—on Windows 11, in Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), in Microsoft Edge, on the web and even on mobile devices.

1. How to Install Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11

Copilot does not require a traditional installation. It becomes available automatically when your system receives a supported Windows update. If you don’t see Copilot, follow these steps to enable it.

Method 1: Install Copilot by Updating Windows 11

Copilot appears automatically after updating Windows.

1. Open the Settings app on your PC.
   
2. Go to the Windows Update section.
   
3. Check for updates and install all available ones.
   
4. Restart your system after the installation completes.
   

Once updated, Copilot appears on the taskbar on the right side.

Method 2: Turn On Copilot from Taskbar Settings

Even after installation, it might be turned off.

1. Open Settings.
   
2. Go to Personalization.
   
3. Select Taskbar.
   
4. Enable the Copilot toggle.

You should now see the Copilot icon on the taskbar.

Method 3: Install Copilot Using the Latest Windows Feature Updates

Some PCs require additional “feature updates.”

1. Open the Settings app.
   
2. Go to Windows Update.
   
3. Enable the option to Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
   
4. Install the pending feature update.

This ensures your device receives the Copilot rollout earlier.

2. How to Install Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge comes with a built-in Copilot sidebar. If it is missing, you may need to enable or update the browser.

Method 1: Update Microsoft Edge to Get Copilot

1. Open the Edge browser.
   
2. Open the menu.
   
3. Select Help and Feedback.
   
4. Choose About Microsoft Edge.
   
5. Let the browser install the latest update.

Once updated, the Copilot icon appears in the top-right corner.

Method 2: Turn On Copilot from the Edge Sidebar

If the icon does not appear:

1. Open Edge.
   
2. Locate the sidebar on the right.
   
3. Open the sidebar settings menu.
   
4. Enable Copilot.
   

Copilot will now appear in the browser.

Method 3: Install Copilot Using the Web Version

If your browser does not support Copilot:

1. Go to copilot.microsoft.com.
   
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

This gives you full access without any installation.

3. How to Install Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Copilot inside Office apps requires two things:

• A Microsoft 365 subscription
  
• Copilot-enabled app updates
  

Method 1: Update Microsoft 365 Office Apps

1. Open any Office app (Word, Excel, etc.).
   
2. Go to the Account section.
   
3. Select Update Options.
   
4. Choose Update Now.

After updating, look for the Copilot icon in the ribbon.

Method 2: Install Copilot by Enabling Connected Experiences

Sometimes Copilot requires cloud-based permissions.

1. Open an Office app.
   
2. Go to the Account section.
   
3. Select Manage Settings.
   
4. Turn on connected experiences.

This unlocks AI features such as Copilot suggestions.

Method 3: Sign In with a Supported Microsoft 365 Account

Copilot is only available for:

• Business or enterprise Microsoft 365
  
• Copilot Pro subscribers
  
• Certain education plans

If Copilot is missing you may need to upgrade your plan.

4. How to Install Microsoft Copilot on Mobile Devices

Copilot is not built-in on mobile yet but you can access it easily.

Method 1: Install Copilot App on Android or iPhone

Microsoft has released the standalone Copilot app in many regions.

1. Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
   
2. Search for Microsoft Copilot.
   
3. Install the app.
   
4. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

You can now use Copilot for writing, summarizing, chatting and image generation.

Method 2: Use Copilot Through the Edge Mobile App

If the standalone app is not available:

1. Install Microsoft Edge from your app store.
   
2. Open the browser.
   
3. Use the Copilot panel from the bottom menu.
   

Method 3: Access Copilot Through the Web

For any device:

1. Open your browser.
   
2. Visit copilot.microsoft.com.

Works on all mobile browsers.

5. How to Install Copilot for Office Work or School

If you use Microsoft 365 in an organization:

• Your admin must enable Copilot from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center
  
• You may need a Copilot Pro or Copilot for Microsoft 365 license
  
• Apps must be updated to the latest version

If Copilot is missing, your administrator may not have enabled it yet.

6. Do You Need to Install Anything Separately for Copilot?

Here’s what you don’t need to install:

• No separate Copilot installer
  
• No manual setup package
  
• No external software files

Copilot always comes through official Microsoft updates.

Conclusion

Installing Microsoft Copilot is simpler than it seems because it is not a traditional installation. Whether you are using Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, or Office apps, Copilot becomes available through updates, feature rolls, and cloud-enabled tools. Once you update your system and apps, Copilot appears automatically and is ready to use.

With this guide, you can easily enable, update, and access Copilot across all your devices Windows, web and mobile without confusion or extra downloads. As Microsoft continues expanding AI features, getting Copilot will become even smoother in the future.

FAQs:

1. Do I need to download Copilot manually?

No. Copilot is included automatically through Windows and Office updates.

2. Why is Copilot not showing on my taskbar?

Your Windows version may be outdated or Copilot may be disabled in taskbar settings.

3. Can I install Copilot on Windows 10?

No. Copilot is available on Windows 11 only, but you can use the web version.

4. Do I need a subscription for Copilot in Office apps?

Yes. A Microsoft 365 subscription or Copilot Pro is required.

5. Why is Copilot missing in Word or Excel?

Your Office apps may be outdated or your plan may not support Copilot.

6. Is the Copilot mobile app available everywhere?

Not yet. If unavailable, use Copilot in Edge or on the web.

7. Can I install Copilot on older devices?

Yes, but features may be limited if the device cannot install the latest updates.

8. Do I need the internet to use Copilot?

Yes. Copilot requires online AI processing.