What Is Microsoft Copilot? How to Use Copilot in Windows [2024]

Microsoft has introduced their new AI-powered assistant called Copilot to boost productivity across their ecosystem. In this article, we will uncover what Copilot is, how you can access it on Windows 11, the key features it provides, and how it aims to optimize workflows with its intelligent capabilities. From research to content generation, Copilot taps into AI to enhance productivity on Windows and across Microsoft's suite of Office apps, Edge, and more. We will explore how this new assistant works so you can take full advantage of its productivity-focused AI features.

What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant created by Microsoft to enhance productivity across its platforms and apps. It uses advanced natural language processing to understand queries and provide useful responses to users.

Copilot is currently available across Microsoft's ecosystem including Windows, Office applications like Word and Excel, Microsoft Edge, and more. It allows users to get AI-powered help directly within the workflow of the application they are using.

Some of the key features offered by Copilot include research assistance, image generation, coding help, and integration with Office apps to quickly generate content or answers. It aims to streamline productivity with AI-powered support.

How to Use Copilot in Windows

To use Copilot in Windows 11, you need to ensure your Windows version is 23H2 or later. Once updated, you can access Copilot through the following methods:

Opening Copilot with Keyboard Shortcut

Press Win+C on your keyboard to instantly invoke Copilot. It will appear ready to accept your queries and commands.

Enabling the Copilot Taskbar Icon

If it does not work then first you need to enable the Copilot icon in your Windows 11 taskbar settings. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar, choose Taskbar Settings, and turn on the toggle for Copilot. Then click the Copilot icon to open it.

Choosing Your Copilot Conversation Style

Once Copilot is activated, it will ask what conversational style you prefer it to use. The options are:

• Precise - Clear, concise, professional tone

• Balanced - Friendly but focused tone

• Creative - Imaginative, conversational tone

Select the style that best fits your needs.

Key Uses of Copilot in Windows

Copilot offers many ways to optimize productivity and boost creativity on Windows devices. Here are some of the top capabilities:

Comprehensive Research Assistance

One of Copilot's strengths is providing insightful overviews on a wide range of topics. When you ask Copilot a research question, it compiles relevant information from its vast knowledge base and presents a summary along with citations for its sources. You can click these citations to do follow-up reading and dive deeper into a subject.

For example, if you ask Copilot to tell you about the American Revolution, it may provide a multi-paragraph overview citing history books, academic papers, and other credible sources. The citations allow you to verify facts and learn more.

AI-Powered Image Generation

Copilot incorporates the highly advanced DALL-E 3 image generation model. With DALL-E 3, you can simply describe an image you want created and Copilot will generate it from scratch.

For instance, you could ask Copilot to "create a scenic photograph of a lakeside cabin at sunset." Copilot will then produce a completely AI-generated high-resolution image matching that description. You can iterate by adjusting the prompt to refine the output.

Coding Assistance for Developers

For coders working on projects in languages like Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, and more, Copilot can provide helpful code examples and suggestions. When you get stuck on a coding problem, Copilot may be able to provide sample code to accomplish what you need or fix errors.

This allows developers to prototype faster and solve issues more efficiently. Copilot won't write full programs for you, but it can accelerate development with intelligent guidance.

Integration with Microsoft Office Apps

Copilot integrates directly into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to streamline workflows. In Word, it can auto-generate document drafts based on outlines and assist with writing. In Excel, it can produce answers and visualizations for data analysis without complex formulas required.

These tight integrations allow Copilot to enhance productivity across the full Office suite. No more switching between apps to get AI-powered assistance!

Conclusion

Microsoft Copilot provides a robust AI assistant experience directly integrated into the Windows workflow. With its conversational capabilities, research skills, creative functions, and deep Office integration, Copilot aims to significantly boost productivity. As Copilot continues improving through active development, it is poised to become an indispensable AI companion for any Windows user.

FAQs - Microsoft Copilot

When will Copilot be available everywhere?

Copilot is currently in preview in select countries. Microsoft plans to expand availability globally over time.

Does Copilot cost extra to use?

No, Copilot is free to use in Windows 11 with no additional charges.

How can I access Copilot in Windows 11?

Find Copilot on the Windows 11 taskbar or use the Win+C keyboard shortcut. You can dock Copilot to stay open beside your apps and provide constant assistance.

How can I make AI art on Windows 11?

Use Copilot, Bing Chat, Paint and other Windows 11 AI features to generate digital art by providing detailed descriptions of colors, styles, and sensory details.

What are some things I can use Copilot for in Windows?

Copilot goes beyond text - it can recognize images, take voice input, change settings, summarize webpages, generate stories and artwork, and more.

What other AI features does Windows 11 offer?

Windows 11 has built-in AI to enhance Snipping Tool, voice access, File Explorer recommendations, creativity apps like Clipchamp and Photos, and inking capabilities.

Why don't I see Copilot on my Windows 11 PC?

Copilot requires the latest Windows 11 2023 Update. You can get updates early in Windows Update settings. Availability rolls out gradually.

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