Getting started with Microsoft Copilot in everyday apps

Learn how to find and use Microsoft Copilot inside Windows, Edge and Office to automate simple tasks in minutes

4 min read·5 steps·22 June 2026

Hook: By the end of this guide you’ll know where Microsoft Copilot lives on your PC, how to summon it, and you’ll have completed a useful first task—like turning a rough email into a tidy summary. This tutorial is for anyone who wants a quicker, smarter way to work, whether you’re handling personal errands or day‑to‑day office duties.

✅ Before you start

You have a Windows 11 PC (or a later version) with an internet connection.
You are signed in with a Microsoft account (the same one you use for Windows, Outlook or Office).
The built‑in apps—Microsoft Edge, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint—are up to date (they usually update in the background).

Spot the Copilot icon

Copilot appears as a small, friendly “‑‑‑” speech‑bubble button in the top‑right corner of many Microsoft apps.

💬 Try typing this**Example:** In Microsoft Edge, look for a blue‑green circle with three dots inside the address bar; that’s the Copilot launcher.➤

Why? The icon is your doorway to the AI assistant, just like a doorbell tells you who’s at the front door.

Open Copilot in Edge

Click the Copilot icon, then choose “Ask Copilot” from the mini‑menu that drops down. A side panel slides out on the right side of the browser.

💬 Try typing this**Example:** Type `Summarise the news article about renewable energy in Australia` and hit Enter.➤

Why? Edge’s Copilot can read web pages, extract key points and turn them into a short paragraph—perfect for a quick briefing.

Use Copilot in Outlook to tidy an email

Open an email you received that contains a lot of information.
Click the Copilot icon that sits just above the email body (it looks like the same speech‑bubble).
In the text field that appears, type “Summarise this email in three bullet points.” Press Enter.

💬 Try typing this**Example:** You’ll see three concise bullets appear, ready to copy‑paste into a reply or a to‑do list.➤

Why? This saves you from manually scanning long messages and helps you decide what needs action first—like having a personal secretary highlight the essentials.

Generate a slide outline in PowerPoint

Open PowerPoint and start a new blank presentation.
Click the Copilot button on the ribbon (the top toolbar).
Type “Create an outline for a 5‑slide deck on water‑saving tips for the home.” Press Enter.

💬 Try typing this**Example:** Copilot will list slide titles and short talking points, which you can drag onto your slides instantly.➤

Why? It turns a vague idea into a ready‑to‑present structure, cutting down the brainstorming time.

Try Copilot in Windows 11 (optional)

If you prefer a system‑wide shortcut, press Windows key + C. A small window pops up asking what you’d like help with.

💬 Try typing this**Example:** Type **“Show me today’s weather in Sydney”** and hit Enter. Copilot will fetch the forecast from the web and display it right there.➤

Why? This lets you ask quick questions without opening a specific app—much like having a tiny assistant on your desktop.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Clicking the wrong icon: Some apps display a “Help” bubble that looks similar. Make sure the bubble has the Copilot logo (three dots inside a circle).
Leaving the query too vague: “Help me” can give broad answers. Adding a clear instruction—like “summarise in three bullet points”—gives sharper results.
Forgetting to sign in: Copilot needs your Microsoft account to access your documents safely. If you see a sign‑in prompt, follow it before proceeding.

🚀 Try it now

Open Microsoft Edge, click the Copilot icon, and type “Summarise the article on the homepage in two sentences.” In the next two minutes you’ll see how Copilot pulls the main ideas together—giving you a taste of how it can help across all your apps.

✦ Original step-by-step guide by AI World Co.'s AI editorial team. Written in plain language, reviewed for accuracy.

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