How to get started with Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11

by

In Windows 11, you can utilize Copilot either via its native app or by integrating it into other applications. This tutorial will walk you through initiating the chatbot for the first time.

Initially, Microsoft launched Copilot as a significant part of Windows 11, designed to supersede Cortana across laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. The intention was to create an assistant that could converse naturally, providing answers to questions on any subject, and even handling additional tasks like adjusting system settings.

Despite the attempt not gaining traction, the company eventually discontinued it, opting instead for a dedicated app because Copilot leverages the cloud to gather and process current web data for query analysis and question answering. Consequently, this decision eliminated the side panels on desktops and removed the functionality to adjust system settings via the chatbot.

Beyond its original access point, Copilot can now be utilized within various other applications such as Notepad, Photos, Paint, Microsoft Edge, File Explorer, and the Office suite. Yet, it’s important to note that the functions of the chatbot may vary depending on the specific application used.

Here, I’ll walk you through the process of launching the Copilot experience that’s offered on Windows 11.

Or, more informally: Here’s how you can kick off your Copilot adventure on Windows 11!

How to navigate the Copilot app

As an analyst on Windows 11, I find the Copilot app to be sleekly simple and intuitive. The chatbot can be accessed conveniently from various avenues, and its settings are customizable to suit my preferences.

Sign in account

To log in to your account (if required), use these steps:

  1. Click the Sign in button at the bottom left.
  • Quick tip: If you don’t see the option, click the “Open Sidebar” button in the top left corner.
  1. Click the Sign in button again.

  1. Complete your credentials to access your account.

Once you complete the steps, you can start interacting with Copilot using natural language.

Launch Copilot

In addition to using the button in the Taskbar, you can launch the Copilot chatbot in several ways.

From Start

To launch the Copilot experience on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Copilot and click the top result to open the app.

Here are a couple of options for you:

1. Alternatively, you might see the Copilot icon already fixed on your Taskbar. In case it isn’t there, initiate the chatbot from the Start menu, then right-click the button and select ‘Pin to Taskbar’.

2. If the Copilot button is already pinned to your Taskbar, you’re good to go! However, if it’s missing, simply open the chatbot from the Start menu, right-click its icon, and opt for ‘Pin to Taskbar’.

From Search

An alternative way to use the chatbot is by clicking the Copilot button during your search within the Windows environment. Upon clicking, the Microsoft Edge browser will be utilized to navigate to the chatbot’s site located at Copilot.Microsoft.com.

From voice command

If the option “Trigger by saying ‘Hey, Copilot'” is enabled, you can communicate with the chatbot without using your hands by simply uttering the voice command “Hey Copilot”.

The option should be available from the Copilot Settings page under the “Voice mode” section.

From Edge

Should you be utilizing Microsoft Edge, you’ll find an identical iteration of Copilot accessible, which is also offered on Windows 11. This option becomes visible through a button located at the upper right-hand corner.

As a devoted user, I must say that while both the in-browser chatbot and its desktop counterpart share many similarities, there’s an extra layer of convenience for me. Features like File Search, Quick View, and customizable shortcuts are just a few of the perks that make my experience even more seamless when using the desktop app version.

Customize Copilot app experience

To customize the experience of Copilot, use these steps:

  1. Click the account menu from the top left.
  2. Click the Settings option.
  3. Turn on the “Auto start on log in” toggle switch to launch the app automatically when the computer starts.
  1. Choose the voice for the assistant under the “Voice mode” section.
  2. Turn on the “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’ to start a conversation” option to launch the assistant hands-free.
  1. (Option 1) Turn on the “Alt+Spacebar” toggle switch to launch the voice mode with the chatbot.
  2. (Option 2) Turn on the “Alt+Spacebar” toggle switch to launch the compact mode under the “Quick view” section.
  • Quick note: This action can have two different actions, but you cannot use them at the same time.
  1. (Optional) Turn the Recommendations toggle switch on or off to control the notifications from Copilot.

After you complete the steps, the new settings will apply to the application.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for intuitive interfaces, and this app doesn’t disappoint! Within it, you can effortlessly manage your chat history sidebar from the upper-left corner. The nifty button next to the sidebar lets you initiate a fresh conversation, while the one up top right takes you straight into the compact Copilot view – a streamlined version of the app’s full interface.

Change Copilot app privacy settings

To prevent Microsoft from using your data to train its AI models, use these steps:

  1. Click the account menu from the top left.
  2. Click the Settings option.
  3. Click the Privacy page.
  1. Turn off the “Diagnostic Data Sharing” toggle switch.
  2. Turn off the “Model training on text” toggle switch.
  3. Turn off the “Model training on voice” toggle switch.
  4. Turn off the “Personalization” toggle switch.

After following the given instructions, when employing Copilot on Windows 11, mobile devices, or online platforms, your data will no longer be transmitted for learning and customization purposes to Microsoft’s servers.

How to interact with Copilot app

With its fresh, inviting design featuring just a message area at the screen’s base, interacting with the Copilot chatbot has become simpler than ever. Notably absent now is the previous ability to alter the dialogue tone.

Text prompt

To use text prompts with Copilot, use these steps:

  1. Open the Copilot app.
  2. (Option 1) Choose the Quick response option for everyday questions.
  3. (Option 2) Choose the Think Deeper option to allow the chatbot to create answers for more complex topics.
  • Quick note: This option can take up to 30 seconds to craft the answer.
  1. Compose your prompt in the “Message Copilot” box and press Enter.
  • Quick tip: In the box, you can ask anything using natural language. For instance, you can ask questions like “Make me a picture of a serene koi fish pond with lily pads,” “Write a story about a dog who lives on the moon,” or “Create a five-day itinerary to visit Chicago in November.”
  1. Copilot understands the context, so you can ask additional questions about the same topic without repeating specific keywords.
  2. Click the plus (+) button to upload an image to the AI, and then you can ask it for more information about that piece of content.

Once you complete the steps, it’s recommended to check the answer as AI usually makes mistakes.

Voice prompt

To start a voice conversation with Copilot, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Copilot app.
  2. Click the microphone button.
  • Quick note: Although it might be obvious, this feature requires access to a microphone. If your device doesn’t have one, you won’t be able to use it.
  1. Start a conversation using natural language with the chatbot.
  2. (Optional) Click the Settings (gear) button to change the chatbot’s voice.
  3. Click the Close (X) button to open the main interface again.

In simpler terms, feel free to pose any question to the chatbot, just as you would during a casual chat with a friend or colleague.

Copilot Vision on the desktop

The Copilot Vision tool enables you to collaborate with a chatbot by displaying your screen, allowing you to receive help with almost any task at hand. For instance, if you’re working on an application but can’t locate a particular option, simply call upon the feature and ask the AI for guidance.

To get started with Vision on Copilot while working on an application, use these steps:

  1. Open the Copilot app.
  2. Click the glasses button.
  3. Click the Share button to request that the AI assist you.
  1. Chat with the chatbot to get assistance with the application.

In the Settings application, could you direct me to the location where I can verify if there are any system updates available? Copilot will then guide you to the appropriate section.

Keep in mind that while this chatbot is able to assist you by providing steps throughout the process, it doesn’t have the capability to perform actions independently on its own.

Also, even though the technology is impressive, in my experience, it’s not very accurate.

In summary, it’s recommended to have Copilot Vision activated automatically. However, if you notice that the AI isn’t providing highlighted steps, navigate to the “Copilot Settings”, and ensure the “Highlights” option is switched on.

Copilot Vision on the browser

Through the Microsoft Edge browser, you can access Copilot Vision for help with any tasks or activities you’re performing online.

To get started with Vision on Copilot while on Microsoft Edge, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Copilot button in the top-right.
  3. Click the microphone button.
  1. Click the Accept button if applicable.

After following the given instructions, Copilot Vision will become active. From that point, feel free to ask questions about any visual content displayed on your screen.

Beyond just sharing your screen with the AI helper, you also have the option to pose queries and receive answers, much like utilizing the Copilot app, yet directly within your web browser.

File Search with Copilot

Alternatively, you could activate Copilot to locate files on your computer rather than relying on the built-in Windows Search tool. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to turn this feature on yourself.

To allow Copilot to search files locally stored on your device, use these steps:

  1. Click the account menu from the top left.
  2. Click the Settings option.
  3. Turn on the “File Search” toggle switch to enable the feature under the “Permission settings” section.
  4. Turn on the “File Read” toggle switch to allow Copilot to read the contents of your files.

After activating the function, you’ll be capable of querying for files using conversational language. For instance, you might inquire: “Which files have I been working on this week?” The assistant will then display the relevant files for you.

Clicking on the file will launch its related app. Alternatively, hitting the “‘See All Files’” button will display your search results within File Explorer.

How to get started with inbox apps Copilot integration

Copilot seamlessly works across a range of applications such as Notepad, File Browser, Sketch (equivalent to Paint), Gallery (similar to Photos), and Task Manager (like Click to Do).

On Notepad, integrating Copilot offers features that allow for modifications within a specific text segment. These edits can range from rephrasing, condensing into a summary, or altering the overall tone.

Within the File Explorer application, there’s a discreet integration featuring an “Ask Assistant” option within the context menu. This enables users to transmit images, documents, or other files directly to the assistant app to pose any questions they might have regarding that particular file.

In the revamped Paint application, you’ll encounter a more immersive Copilot integration. For instance, you can utilize the AI assistant to generate an image from a simple text instruction. Additionally, it offers a handy feature allowing you to delete the background or erase an object within an image with just one click.

As a tech enthusiast, I can tell you that owning a Copilot+ PC grants me an exciting advantage: the ability to instantaneously transform my rough sketches into stunning masterpieces using the “Cocreator” feature. This tool brings my artistic visions to life in real-time!

Ultimately, with Copilot+ computers, when utilizing the “Click to Act” feature, you’ll be able to tap into various Copilot functions, such as the “Send Text/Objects to Copilot” button.

Additionally, you have access to features that allow you to refashion, abridge, and organize selected text into bullet points.

On the other hand, if you’re selecting an object, the options will be slightly different.

How to get started with Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps

Should you employ Microsoft 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint, you will encounter Copilot within these tools as well.

To use Copilot in Word, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. Click the Home tab.
  3. Click the Copilot button.
  1. (Optional) Click the plus (+) and click on “View prompts” to access the gallery with prompt samples you can use with Copilot.
  1. (Optional) Click the Manage preferences button and turn on the “Web content” plugin if you want to respond using web content.
  • Quick note: This option may or may not be available for everyone.
  1. Compose the prompt for the task you want the AI to assist you with.

For instance, you can ask the chatbot to provide a summary of the document, generate a spoken summary of the document’s content, or even ask it to create an image based on a description of the text.

The process for utilizing Copilot in Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint is quite similar. However, the interactions and replies you receive might vary slightly depending on the specific application being used.

How to manage the Copilot integration on Windows 11

In Windows 11, managing the assistant (Copilot) depends on the app you’re using to access it.

If you decide to get rid of the Copilot app, it will delete the app itself as well as the “Ask Copilot” feature from many locations. But in Microsoft 365 apps and Edge, you can simply disable the integration instead of completely removing it.

With Notepad, you’re limited to certain actions from the Copilot AI. Unlike other platforms, you can’t engage in a conversation with the assistant. If you wish to disable this feature, you’ll need to navigate to the settings page to do so.

Remove Copilot integration

To completely disengage Copilot from your entire operating system and all connected apps, you’ll need to carry out additional actions beyond simply uninstalling the application. This is because the AI functionality seamlessly interacts with various applications in unique ways.

Uninstall Copilot app

To uninstall the Copilot app, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click the Installed apps page on the right side.
  1. Open the main menu (three dots) to the right of the app.
  2. Click the Uninstall button.
  1. Click the Uninstall button again.

After following the given instructions, the Copilot application will no longer appear on your computer but a button for it may persist within the Windows Search experience accessible from the Taskbar.

Disable Copilot on Microsoft Edge

Moreover, it’s worth noting that the Copilot function offered by Microsoft Edge operates separately from the app version integrated within your operating system. To disable this feature, follow these simple instructions:

1. Open Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click on the ellipsis (three dots) in the top-right corner.
3. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings”.
4. Scroll down to find “Copilot” and click on it.
5. Finally, toggle off the switch for “Enable Copilot”.

Now you know how to manage this feature independently of your operating system settings!

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Open the “Settings and more” (three dots) menu and choose the Settings option.
  3. Click on Copilot and sidebar.
  4. Click the Copilot setting.
  1. Turn off the “Show Copilot button on the toolbar” toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, the assistant will no longer be available through the web browser.

Disable Copilot on Notepad

If you don’t want to use Copilot in Notepad, use these steps:

  1. Open Notepad.
  2. Click the Settings button.
  3. Turn off the Copilot toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, Copilot and the profile menu will be disabled from Notepad.

Disable Copilot on Microsoft 365 apps

You can also disable Copilot from the Microsoft 365 apps with these steps:

  1. Open Word, Excel, OneNote, or PowerPoint.
  2. Click on File.
  3. Click on Options.
  1. Clear the Enable Copilot option.
  1. Click the OK button.
  2. Restart the app.

Once you finish the procedures, the chatbot within the app will automatically deactivate. However, you’ll need to go through these steps separately for every app where you wish to deactivate the chatbot.

Re-enable Copilot integration

Whenever needed, feel free to uninstall and reinstall the Copilot application for a fresh start, which will activate the chatbot and enable its functions within other applications once again.

Install the Copilot app

To install the Copilot app, use these steps:

  1. Open the Copilot app page.
  2. Click the “View in Store” button.
  3. Click the Get (or Install) button.

Once you complete the steps, the Copilot will be available from the Start menu.

Re-enable Copilot on Microsoft Edge

To enable the chatbot on the browser, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Open the “Settings and more” (three dots) menu and choose the Settings option.
  3. Click on Copilot and sidebar.
  4. Click the Copilot setting.
  1. Turn on the “Show Copilot button on the toolbar” toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, the chatbot will be enabled again on the web browser.

Re-enable Copilot on Notepad

To re-enable the Copilot actions in Notepad, use these steps:

  1. Open Notepad.
  2. Click the Settings button.
  3. Turn on the Copilot toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, the AI actions will enable one more time in Notepad.

More resources

Read More

2025-05-22 12:41