AI WORLD HQGetting started with Microsoft Copilot in everyday apps
Learn how to find and use Microsoft Copilot inside Windows, Edge and Office to automate simple tasks in minutes
By the end of this guide, you’ll know where Microsoft Copilot lives on your Windows PC, how to bring it up, and you’ll have completed a useful first task. Imagine turning a rough email into a tidy summary, or getting a quick overview of a long web page – that's what Copilot helps you do. This tutorial is for anyone who wants a quicker, smarter way to work, whether you’re handling personal errands or day-to-day office duties.
- You have a Windows 11 PC (or a later version) with a working internet connection.
- You are signed in with a Microsoft account (the same one you use for Windows, Outlook, or Office).
- Your built-in apps – Microsoft Edge, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint – are up to date (they usually update automatically in the background).
- Some features, especially within Office apps like Word or PowerPoint, may require a Microsoft 365 subscription and potentially a separate Copilot Pro subscription for full functionality. This guide focuses on features generally available or easily accessible.
- Rough total time: This guide should take you about 5-10 minutes to follow along with.
Spot the Copilot icon
The Copilot icon acts like a little helper button, often a blue-green circle with three overlapping dots inside, resembling a speech bubble. To begin, open Microsoft Edge, your internet browser. Look closely at the top-right corner of the browser window, or sometimes near the address bar where you type website names.
What you see on screen: You'll typically see several small icons. The Copilot icon usually stands out with its distinct blue-green colour and abstract 'speech bubble' design. What happens next: Nothing happens yet when you just spot it; you're just identifying your starting point. If it looks different: If you don't see it there, check your Windows taskbar (the strip at the bottom of your screen) for a similar icon, or look for a small panel that slides out from the right side of your screen if Copilot is already active in Windows.
You'll know it worked when: You can clearly see the blue-green Copilot icon in your Microsoft Edge browser window.
Open Copilot in Microsoft Edge
Once you've spotted the Copilot icon in Microsoft Edge, it's time to activate it. Click on that distinctive blue-green speech bubble button. This action is like tapping a friend on the shoulder to get their attention.
What you see on screen: After clicking, a small menu might drop down with options, or a side panel will slide out from the right side of your browser window. This panel is where you'll chat with Copilot. What happens next: The Copilot side panel will appear, usually showing a text box at the bottom labelled "Ask me anything" or "Type your prompt here". This means it's ready for your instructions. If it looks different: If a menu appears, look for an option like "Ask Copilot" or "Open Copilot" and click that. If the icon isn't there, ensure your Edge browser is up to date and that Windows 11 is installed.
You'll know it worked when: The Copilot side panel is open on the right of your Edge browser, and you see a text input area ready for your question or command. Copilot cannot interact with or directly control other browser tabs, only read the content of the currently open page.
Use Copilot in Outlook to tidy an email
Microsoft Copilot can help you quickly understand lengthy emails, saving you time. First, open your Microsoft Outlook application and select an email that has a good amount of text or information.
What you see on screen: With the email open, look for the Copilot icon – the familiar blue-green speech bubble – usually located in the top toolbar of the email window, or sometimes just above the email's body text. What happens next: Clicking the Copilot icon will likely open a small text box or a panel. This is where you'll tell Copilot what you want it to do with the email. If it looks different: If the Copilot icon isn't immediately visible, check under a "…" (More options) menu, or look for a "Summarise" or "Draft with Copilot" button on the ribbon (the main toolbar at the top). Please note that advanced Copilot features in Office apps typically require a Microsoft 365 subscription and often Copilot Pro.
You'll know it worked when: Copilot displays a concise summary of the email, usually within the Copilot panel or as a draft reply, often presented as bullet points, based on your instruction. Copilot can draft the summary, but it cannot send an email on your behalf or fully understand highly nuanced human emotion or sarcasm.
Generate a slide outline in PowerPoint
Getting started with a presentation can be daunting, but Copilot can quickly create a structure for you. Open Microsoft PowerPoint and start a new, blank presentation. This gives Copilot a clean slate to work with.
What you see on screen: Look for the Copilot button on the "ribbon" at the top of the PowerPoint window. The ribbon is the wide toolbar containing all your editing options. The Copilot button will likely be the same blue-green speech bubble icon. What happens next: Clicking this button will open a Copilot panel or a text box, similar to how it worked in Edge or Outlook. This is where you'll input your request for the presentation outline. If it looks different: If you can't find the Copilot icon on the ribbon, check under the "Home" or "Insert" tabs, or look for a "Designer" or "Ideas" button that might link to AI features. Full Copilot integration for generating outlines in PowerPoint usually requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot Pro.
You'll know it worked when: Copilot generates a list of slide titles and perhaps some key talking points, displayed in the Copilot panel. This outline can then be copied or inserted into your presentation. Copilot provides a structure, but it cannot create polished graphics, write every word of your speech, or ensure the content is perfectly accurate without your review.
Access Copilot directly in Windows 11
Beyond individual apps, Copilot can also act as a system-wide assistant in Windows 11, giving you quick answers without needing to open a specific application. This is like having a handy digital assistant always ready on your desktop.
What you see on screen: Press the Windows key (usually found near the bottom-left of your keyboard, with the Windows logo) and the letter C at the same time. What happens next: A Copilot panel will slide out from the right side of your screen, or a small chat window will pop up. It will display a text input field, similar to the other apps, prompting you to "Ask me anything". If it looks different: If the keyboard shortcut doesn't work, look for the Copilot icon (the blue-green speech bubble) on your Windows taskbar. Clicking this icon should achieve the same result.
You'll know it worked when: The Copilot panel appears, and after you type your question and press Enter, Copilot displays the requested information directly in the panel. Windows Copilot can answer quick questions and perform simple tasks, but it cannot manage complex file operations or delve deep into app-specific features from this interface.
- Clicking the wrong icon: Some apps display a "Help" bubble or a general chat icon that looks similar to Copilot's. The correct Copilot icon is usually a distinct blue-green colour with three overlapping dots, like a speech bubble. Always make sure you're clicking the one that specifically indicates "Copilot".
- Leaving the query too vague: Simply typing "Help me" often leads to broad or unhelpful answers. Instead, provide clear, specific instructions. For example, rather than "Summarise this," try "Summarise this email in three bullet points, highlighting the deadlines."
- Forgetting to sign in: Copilot relies on your Microsoft account to access certain features and integrate with your documents securely. If you see a sign-in prompt, follow the steps to log in before proceeding. Without being signed in, many Copilot features will be unavailable or limited.
Open Microsoft Edge, browse to any news website you like, then click the Copilot icon in the top-right corner. In the text box that appears, type Summarise the main article on this homepage in two short sentences. In the next two minutes, you'll see how Copilot quickly pulls the main ideas together – giving you a practical taste of how it can help you across all your everyday apps.
✦ Original step-by-step guide by AI World Co.'s AI editorial team. Written in plain language, reviewed for accuracy.
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