In 2026, an AI assistant comes built into Windows 11 for free: Microsoft Copilot. It can answer your questions, summarize a text, draft an email, or create an image, right on your computer. Yet a lot of people don’t realize they already have it. Here’s how to use Microsoft Copilot for free in just a few minutes.

Quick answer: On a recent Windows 11 PC, the Copilot app is already installed (pinned to the taskbar or in the Start menu). If not, download it free from the Microsoft Store. Open it, sign in with your personal Microsoft account, and ask your question. That’s it.

1. Find (or install) Copilot

On most recent Windows 11 PCs, the Copilot app is already there: look for its icon in the taskbar or type “Copilot” in the Start menu. If you can’t find it, open the Microsoft Store, search for “Copilot,” and install it. The app is free.

2. Sign in to unlock every feature

Open Copilot and sign in with your personal Microsoft account (the same one you use for Outlook.com, Xbox, or the Microsoft Store). Signing in gives you access to your conversation history, image creation, longer conversations, and voice interactions.

3. Use the Copilot key on your keyboard

Many recent keyboards have a dedicated Copilot key. It can open the full app or a smaller “quick view.” You can change its behavior under Settings > Account > Copilot keyboard shortcuts.

4. Access it anywhere: Edge, mobile, other computers

Copilot isn’t limited to Windows. You’ll find it in the header of the Microsoft Edge browser, as well as on macOS and in the iOS and Android mobile apps. Your conversations follow you from device to device once you’re signed in.

5. What to do with Copilot day to day

Here are some concrete examples you can type right now:

Write: “Write a polite email to reschedule an appointment to Tuesday.”
Summarize: paste a long text and ask “Summarize this in 5 points.”
Explain: “Explain cloud computing to me in simple terms.”
Create an image: “Generate an image of a modern, bright office.”
Translate: “Translate this paragraph into French.”

Free Copilot or Copilot in Microsoft 365?

The free Microsoft Copilot is great for personal use. For businesses, Copilot in Microsoft 365 goes further: it works directly within your files, emails, and company data, securely. It’s a powerful productivity tool for teams.

Frequently asked questions

Is Copilot really free?

Yes. The Copilot app and its basic use are free with a personal Microsoft account. Advanced features and the version built into Microsoft 365 come at a cost.

Is my data secure?

For professional use, avoid pasting confidential information into the consumer version. Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers the enterprise-grade protections you need.