How to Use Microsoft Copilot on Windows for Everyday Tasks

Discover how to launch, chat, and customise Microsoft's built-in AI assistant to simplify your daily computer habits.

4 min read·4 steps·24 June 2026

If you use a modern Windows computer, you already have a powerful digital helper waiting to make your daily tasks easier. By the end of this guide, you will know how to open Microsoft Copilot, chat with it naturally, and use it to control your computer settings without digging through menus.

✅ Before you start

A computer running Windows 11 (or a recently updated Windows 10).
An active internet connection.
A Microsoft account (highly recommended, as logging in gives you longer conversations and more features).

Open the Copilot assistant

To get started, you need to summon Copilot to your screen. Think of Copilot as a side-panel companion that sits quietly until you need it.

Look at the taskbar (the strip of icons running along the bottom of your screen).

💬 Try typing this**What to do:** Look for a colourful, ribbon-like icon next to your search bar. It is usually blue, green, and orange. Click it once. Alternatively, press the **Windows key + C** on your keyboard. A clean chat panel will slide open on the right side of your screen.➤

Ask your first question

Now that the panel is open, you can start a conversation. You do not need to use code or special computer commands. You simply type the way you would speak to a friendly colleague.

In the AI world, the text you type into the chat box is called a prompt (the instruction or question you give to the AI—think of it like giving a clear brief to a helpful assistant).

💬 Try typing this**Example:** Click inside the chat box at the bottom of the panel and type: ➤

"I have some friends coming over for dinner. Can you suggest three quick, easy recipes using chicken and whatever fresh vegetables I might have in the fridge?" Press Enter and watch Copilot type out your recipes in real time.

Control your Windows settings

Unlike standard websites, Copilot on Windows can actually interact with your computer. This is brilliant if you struggle to remember where specific computer settings are hidden.

💬 Try typing this**Example:** Type: *"Turn on dark mode"* or *"Switch on do not disturb."* ➤

A small confirmation box will pop up asking if you want to apply the change. Click "Yes", and Copilot will change the settings for you instantly.

Get on-screen help

Copilot is great at reading and summarising (creating a short, easy-to-read overview of a long document, so you do not have to read the whole thing).

If you are reading a long article in the Microsoft Edge web browser, or if you have a document open, you can ask Copilot to help you understand it.

💬 Try typing this**Example:** With an article open on your screen, click the Copilot icon and type: ➤

"Summarise the main points of this page in three simple bullet points."

⚠️ Common mistakes

Treating it like a search engine: Do not just type single words like "chicken recipes". You will get much better results if you write full, descriptive sentences.
Forgetting to clear the conversation: If you want to switch from planning dinner to drafting a work email, click the "New topic" button (usually shaped like a fresh chat bubble or a blue broom icon). This wipes the slate clean so Copilot does not get confused by your previous questions.

🚀 Try it now

Open Copilot right now using the Windows key + C shortcut. In the chat box, type: "Tell me one interesting fact about the Great Barrier Reef." See how quickly and clearly your new assistant responds!

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

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