How to Use Microsoft Copilot: A Beginner's Guide

The short version

Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant, and you start it the same way everywhere: open it, sign in, and type what you need. It answers questions, drafts text, summarizes files and creates images. The skill is in asking clearly and checking what comes back.

Step by step

1. Open Copilot. Go to copilot.microsoft.com in any browser, or use the Copilot app. Microsoft offers it on Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android. New Windows 11 PCs usually have it already; if not, it’s free in the Microsoft Store.
2. Sign in. On the web, phones and Mac you can use a Microsoft account, an Apple ID or a Google account. The Windows app needs a Microsoft account. Microsoft says signing in unlocks chat history, image creation, longer conversations and voice.
3. Start a new chat and type your request in the box. Write it as you would to a helpful colleague.
4. Add a file if it helps. Use the + button next to the box to attach a document or image, then ask about it.
5. Follow up. Ask for a shorter version, a table, or a different tone. Copilot keeps the conversation going.
6. Check the answer before you rely on it. Microsoft’s own help page says responses “can include incorrect content.”

If you use Copilot for work and sign in with a work or school account, you get your company’s version instead. Microsoft points work users to m365.cloud.microsoft/chat. See use Copilot Chat at work.

What to try first

• Ask a question you’d normally search for, and ask it to explain in plain English.
• Summarize a long article or PDF you’ve attached.
• Draft an email, a letter or a short post.
• Plan a trip, a meal plan or a weekly schedule.
• Create an image for a card or a flyer.
• Talk to it with the microphone button, if you’d rather speak than type.

Prompts to copy

Microsoft suggests four parts: a goal, context, a source and expectations. Only the goal is required.

A plain-English explanation:

Explain what a Roth IRA is in plain English, as if I'm 25 and new to investing.
Use short paragraphs and one example with real-looking numbers.

A summary of a file:

Summarize the attached document in five bullet points.
Then list any dates or deadlines it mentions.

A plan:

Plan a three-day trip to Chicago for two adults in May. We like food and museums, not nightlife.
Give me a table with morning, afternoon and evening for each day.

Example

You ask: “I run a small bakery. Write three short Facebook posts announcing our new sourdough, each under 50 words, friendly tone.”

A good result: three different posts you can pick from. Then ask “Make the second one more playful” or “Add the price: $8 a loaf.”

Mistakes to avoid

• Asking in one word. “Marketing” gets a generic answer. Say who it’s for and what you want.
• Pasting private details. Leave out passwords, account numbers and other people’s information. See keep your data private in Copilot.
• Taking facts on trust. Check names, numbers and dates, especially for health, money and legal questions.
• Giving up after one answer. The second or third version is usually better.

Good to know

What you see depends on your account. Free accounts get the basic chat. Microsoft 365 Personal, Family and Premium add higher usage and Copilot inside the Office apps. Work accounts get a business version. Menus change often; if a button has moved, search Microsoft Support for the feature name.

Related: choose the right Copilot plan and write better Copilot prompts.