How do you get Microsoft Copilot? This article gives you clear instructions and practical solutions.

1. Which Microsoft Copilot do I actually want?

A lot of people ask: "How do I actually get Microsoft Copilot?"
Sounds easy – but it’s not always obvious.

Because "getting Copilot" can mean a lot of things.
Sometimes you just want to try it out. Sometimes you need it for work.
And sometimes you want it fully integrated into your Microsoft environment.

This article walks you through, step by step, how to use Copilot – depending on what you're aiming for.

You can continue reading here, if you want to read further on what Copilot can do.

2. What versions are there – and which one do I need?

There isn’t just one Copilot. There are a few different versions. Which one you get depends on what you need.

• Copilot (free)
  You can use this directly in the browser – via copilot.microsoft.com. It gives you basic features: writing, answering questions, getting info. Great for getting started.
• Copilot Pro
  This is the extended version for individuals. You get access to GPT-4 Turbo, more image generation, and can use Copilot in Word, Excel, and more – but only in the web versions. Costs about €22/month.
• Copilot for Microsoft 365
  This is the business version. Copilot is built right into Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc. – with access to your real work data. Requires a compatible Microsoft 365 license (like Business Standard or E3) and an admin to enable it.
• Copilot Studio
  Just for completeness: this lets you build your own agents. But it's more for IT, big companies, or developers.

3. What do I need to get started?

Depending on the version, you’ll need a few things. Here are the basics:

• A Microsoft account
  For the free version, a regular Microsoft account (like an Outlook address) is enough.
• An active subscription (if required)
  Copilot Pro requires a Copilot subscription.
  Copilot for Microsoft 365 also needs an eligible Office license – e.g., Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Enterprise E3/E5.
• A compatible device or browser
  Copilot works best in Edge or Chrome – or directly in Microsoft apps on Windows 11.
  On mobile, you’ll need the Copilot app or the Microsoft 365 app.
• Language & region
  Not all features are available in all languages. Some are English-only at first. Region can also matter – Microsoft is rolling Copilot out gradually.

4. How do I activate or use Copilot?

This depends on which version you're using.

• In the browser (free or Pro)
  Go to copilot.microsoft.com, log in with your Microsoft account – and you're ready to go.
• In Word, Excel, PowerPoint (web version)
  If you have Copilot Pro, you'll see the Copilot button at the top right. You can give it commands like "Summarize this text" or "Write an introduction for this document."
• In desktop apps (Word, Excel, etc.)
  For this, you need an additional Microsoft 365 Personal/Family license (for Copilot Pro) or a business license (for Copilot for Microsoft 365). Only then does Copilot appear in the classic apps.
• In Outlook & Teams
  With Copilot for Microsoft 365, it shows up directly in your inbox or Teams meetings. It drafts emails, summarizes threads, or creates meeting notes.
• In Windows 11
  Newer devices even have a dedicated Copilot key. It opens the sidebar. You can say things like: "Turn on dark mode" or "Find my last PowerPoint."
• On your phone
  Download the Copilot app from the App Store or Google Play. Or use the new Microsoft 365 app, which also includes Copilot.

5. What if Copilot doesn't work?

Sometimes Copilot seems to be there – but doesn't show up properly. Here are the most common reasons:

• You don’t have a valid license yet
  Copilot Pro needs a subscription. Office apps need an active Microsoft 365 license too.
• The feature hasn’t rolled out yet
  Microsoft is rolling Copilot out gradually across regions, languages, and devices.
• Your company hasn't enabled it
  For Microsoft 365 in businesses, the admin needs to activate Copilot first.
• Your app or system isn't up to date
  Sometimes, a simple update solves it.

6. What does Copilot cost?

• Copilot (free) – $0
• Copilot Pro – about $22/month
• Copilot for Microsoft 365 – about $30/user + existing M365 license
• Copilot Studio – from about $200/month (for advanced users)

Compared to: ChatGPT Plus costs $20  and has different strengths and advantages, but isn’t directly built into Microsoft tools.

7. Summary: 3 steps to get Microsoft Copilot

1. Choose the version that fits you best
Just curious? → Free.
Need more power in Office? → Pro.
Deep business integration? → M365 version.

2. Get the right license and app
Ideally, you’ll need a Microsoft account, a subscription, and if needed, an Office license.

3. Start – in the browser, in Word, or right in Windows 11
Then just start asking questions. Copilot is ready.

If you want to read further you can continue about how Microsoft Copilot compares with ChatGPT.