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Use the Copilot app in Windows for help with your PC and files, Microsoft 365 Copilot for features tied to your personal subscription or work account, and Copilot in Edge for questions about a page, PDF, or video. The right entry point—and the features you see—depend on your account, plan, and region.

Choose the Copilot entry point that matches your task

Where you open Copilot Best suited to What can affect availability
Windows Copilot app General questions, supported file tasks, help with visible screen content, and finding Windows settings Windows version, account type, and feature availability
Microsoft 365 General chat and, when eligible, features connected to Microsoft 365 apps or organizational data Personal subscription, work or school license, and organization settings
Copilot in Edge Questions and summaries about the page, PDF, or video you are viewing Account, region, settings, and subscription eligibility for some options

Microsoft uses “Copilot” for several experiences, not one identical feature set. Free Copilot supports general questions, writing, brainstorming, summaries, web-based answers, and Edge page insights. Microsoft 365 subscription features and workplace capabilities vary. Check your plan or ask your organization’s administrator if an option is missing; the name alone does not establish that you have access.

Use Copilot in Windows

Open the app

  1. On a new Windows 11 PC, look for Copilot in Start or on the taskbar. Microsoft says the app should already be installed; if it is missing, get it from Microsoft Store.
  2. Open it from Start or the taskbar, or use the Copilot key or Windows key+C where available. You can change the shortcut behavior in Copilot keyboard shortcut settings. A supported pen shortcut can also be mapped to the Copilot key action.
  3. Sign in according to the experience you want to use. Microsoft’s general guide says the personal Windows app experience may require a personal Microsoft Account, while its Windows access guidance also documents Microsoft 365 work or school access. These are not a universal sign-in rule for every Copilot experience.

You do not need a keyboard with a Copilot key: Start and the taskbar are alternatives.

Ask about files or what is on screen

  • Find or read supported files: Ask Copilot to help locate or work with a supported file. Microsoft lists DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, TXT, PDF, and JSON among supported types. Adjust file access under Account > Settings > File Search and File Read.
  • Ask about a screenshot: Share a screenshot and ask a question about something shown in it.
  • Discuss visible content: Use Vision to talk about visible app or screen content. You must start a Vision session for it to be active.
  • Find a Windows setting: Ask where to change a setting and use the directions to navigate there.

Use Copilot with Microsoft 365

First identify whether you are using a personal account or a work or school account. An individual subscription experience, workplace Copilot Chat, and a paid work Copilot add-on can have different entitlements. General free Copilot access does not mean every feature inside Microsoft 365 apps is included.

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For a personal account

Free Copilot can help with general questions, writing, brainstorming, summaries, and web-based answers. Features connected to a Microsoft 365 subscription depend on the plan and, in some cases, whether you are the subscription owner. If an app-integrated option is absent, check the current plan details rather than assuming it is included.

For a work or school account

Copilot Chat may use organizational data such as chats, email, and files alongside the web. Microsoft says it can use only work content you are already authorized to access. What is available can still depend on your organization’s licensing and settings; ask your administrator about access to a specific feature.

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Ask Copilot about a page in Microsoft Edge

  1. Sign in to Edge with the appropriate personal account where required.
  2. Open the webpage, PDF, or video you want to ask about.
  3. Select the Copilot icon in the Edge toolbar.
  4. Type a question, choose a suggested prompt, or request a summary.

Depending on your eligibility, voice and Vision options may also be available. Page context is controlled in Edge: select More (…) > Copilot and AI, then change Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web. Turning this off prevents Copilot from using the current webpage, page title, open tabs, or browser history for responses, according to Microsoft. On first use, Edge may explain the feature or ask permission depending on your region.

Context use depends on the prompt; do not assume Copilot automatically reads every open tab. Microsoft also describes page titles and URLs of open tabs as a basis for suggested prompts.

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Distinguish browser actions from chat and summaries

Browse with Copilot is a separate, rolling capability—not just another name for a chat response or page summary. Microsoft describes it as using visible clicks, typing, and navigation to act across pages on a user’s behalf, while showing its actions and allowing the user to intervene. The support page describes consumer rollout for Microsoft 365 Premium subscribers in the United States, with additional markets to follow. Availability may change, so check Microsoft’s current support information for your location and account.

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Check important answers and understand Vision privacy

Microsoft’s guidance is direct: “Sometimes Copilot gets things wrong, so it is important to review what it generates.” Verify important claims and check any actions or results before relying on them.

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Microsoft says Vision is active only after you start a session; session inputs and shared content are not used to train models. Session data may be retained for up to 47 hours to support feedback, then automatically deleted if feedback is not submitted. This retention detail is subject to change; consult Microsoft’s current Vision information before relying on it.

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  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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