Many students ask me, “Sir, what is Copilot on my computer?” You may have noticed it on your Windows taskbar or inside Microsoft Word, Excel, or Edge. Copilot on your computer is an AI helper built into Windows and Microsoft apps. It utilizes artificial intelligence to assist you with tasks such as writing, summarizing, and learning. It is always ready to help.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is a tool that uses artificial intelligence. This means it uses computer programs that can understand language and give human-like responses. It is built into Windows and Microsoft 365 apps.
Copilot is different from a normal search box. A normal search only shows links, but Copilot can give ready answers. It can explain things, write text, solve problems, and even help you control your computer. You can type your question, and Copilot will reply in seconds. In some cases, you can also use your voice to speak to Copilot instead of typing.
Features of Copilot
Copilot is like having a smart helper built into your computer. It can do many things to make your work easier and faster. Here are main features of Copilot:
1. Answer questions
Copilot can answer questions quickly, just like a personal tutor. If you are stuck on a topic in science, math, or any subject, you can type your question, and Copilot will give a clear explanation. For example, if you ask, “What is photosynthesis?” it will explain it in simple words so you can understand.
2. Help with writing
Imagine you have to write an essay, a summary, or a report for your class. Sometimes starting is the hardest part. You can tell Copilot your topic, and it can suggest sentences or even create a draft for you. If your writing is too long or confusing, Copilot can simplify it.
3. Work inside apps
Copilot works inside Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In Word, it can check your grammar, suggest better words, and create outlines for your document. In Excel, it can help make graphs, create formulas, or analyze your data. In PowerPoint, it can suggest design ideas and help you organize your slides.
4. Use voice commands
Some versions of Copilot allow you to use voice commands. This means you can talk to your computer instead of typing. For example, you can say, “Summarize this text” or “Create a chart from this data,” and Copilot will do it for you. This is helpful if you type slowly or want to work hands-free.
Why do You See Copilot on Computer?
You notice Copilot after a Windows update. Microsoft adds it as part of the system to make computers smarter. Schools that use Microsoft 365 for Education may also have Copilot enabled. This allows students to use it for assignments, research, and learning tasks.
If your computer has Windows 11 or a newer update, Copilot might appear automatically on your taskbar. You don’t have to download it yourself. Some people keep it there for quick access, while others choose to hide it from the taskbar if they don’t use it often.
Also, read Uses of Microsoft Copilot for more information about it in real life.
How to Access Copilot on Computer?
- You can see the Copilot icon on your taskbar or in the Start menu.
- Click on the icon to open Copilot.
- You can also press Alt + Spacebar to open it quickly.
- If you hold Alt + Spacebar for 2 seconds, you turn on voice mode.
- In voice mode, you can speak your question instead of typing it.
Copilot Comparing with Other AI Tools
| Copilot | ChatGPT | Google Bard |
|---|---|---|
| Built into Windows and Microsoft apps | Works in a web browser or app | Works in a web browser |
| Works directly inside apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint | No direct link with Office apps | No direct link with Office apps |
| Uses newer AI tech like GPT-5 | Uses GPT-4 (in free and paid versions) | Uses Google’s PaLM 2 or Gemini AI |
| Can work with your local apps; some features need internet | Needs internet | Needs internet |
| Voice mode, screen vision, step highlighting | Text answers, code help | Text answers, web search focus |