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We've all stared at a blank document, trying to find the first sentence for an email or project update. Copilot turns that blank page into a conversation — and once you've tried it once, the rest feels much easier.
Before you start
Here's what you need before the first step, so nothing surprises you at step four.
- A free Microsoft account — any Outlook, Hotmail, or Live address works. No paid plan needed for the browser and phone versions.
- A modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox) on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook, or the free "Microsoft Copilot" app on iPhone (iOS 16 or newer) or Android (10 or newer).
- For Copilot inside Word, Excel, Outlook, or PowerPoint: a paid subscription — either Microsoft 365 Copilot (around $30 USD/month, roughly $45) for business plans, or Copilot Pro for individuals (around $20 USD/month, roughly $30). The in-app features won't appear without one.
- A specific task in mind. Even a small one — drafting an email, summarizing a recipe, planning a birthday. You'll get better results with a real goal than with a vague "let me try AI."
Step 1 — Open Copilot in your browser
On your computer, go to copilot.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. You'll land on a chat-style page: a welcome message at the top and a text box at the bottom labeled "Ask me anything."
💬 Type this to start:
"Help me write a friendly invitation to a backyard barbecue next Saturday at 2pm."
You'll know it worked when a reply appears within a few seconds and the text box clears, ready for your next question.
Step 2 — Pick a conversation style that fits your task
Above the text box, you'll see three tone options: Creative, Balanced, and Precise. Click one before you send your message — it changes how Copilot responds.
- Creative — best for brainstorming, image prompts, marketing copy, or playful writing.
- Balanced — the everyday default. Fine for most tasks.
- Precise — best for factual questions, summaries, and tasks where you want a short, direct answer.
💬 Try this:
Switch to "Creative", then ask: "Give me five theme ideas for a neighbourhood street party."
You'll know it worked when the reply feels noticeably more playful and varied than the default — that's the style taking effect.
Step 3 — Draft text inside Microsoft Word (paid plan)
Open Word and a blank document. Look at the ribbon (the strip of icons across the top) — you'll see a Copilot button with a colorful four-pointed star icon. Click it and a side panel slides in from the right.
💬 Type this into the side panel:
"Draft a one-paragraph project update for our team based on this document."
You'll know it worked when a suggested draft appears in your document, or a draft shows in the side panel with an Insert button you can click to drop it in.
Step 4 — Summarize a long email in Outlook
Open Outlook (desktop or web). Open a long email, then click the Copilot button in the ribbon and choose Summary from the suggested actions.
💬 Try this follow-up after the summary:
"What action do I need to take from this email, and by when?"
You'll know it worked when a 2–3 line summary appears at the top of the email, listing the key points and any deadlines.
Step 5 — Generate an image for a slide or social post
In any Copilot chat — browser, phone, or Word — type a request that starts with "Generate an image of…" and describe what you want in plain words.
💬 Try this:
"Generate an image of a sunny backyard with a long table set for a barbecue, in a friendly cartoon style."
You'll know it worked when four image options appear below the chat. Click one to make it larger, then use Download to save it or Copy to paste it into your slide.
Step 6 — Use Copilot on your phone
Download the Microsoft Copilot app from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with the same Microsoft account. The layout matches the website — text box at the bottom, plus a microphone icon for voice and a plus icon for attachments.
💬 Try this by voice (tap the microphone):
"Plan a 30-minute workout I can do at home with no equipment."
You'll know it worked when a spoken reply plays back and a written version appears in the chat, ready for you to scroll back to later.
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Asking Copilot without signing in. Without an account, you get fewer daily turns and can't save chats. Fix: Sign in first — even a free Outlook address works.
- Mistake: Writing vague prompts. "Help me with email" gets a vague reply. Fix: Add a role and a goal, like "Act as a friendly event planner. Give me five themes for a kids birthday party."
- Mistake: Trusting every fact. Copilot can confidently get things wrong. Fix: For anything important — medical, legal, financial, technical — double-check with a trusted source before acting.
- Mistake: Expecting Copilot inside Word for free. The in-app features only appear with a Microsoft 365 Copilot or Copilot Pro subscription. Fix: Use the free browser and phone versions until you're ready to pay.