Best forMicrosoft users
THE SIMPLE VERSION
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI companion you can use in normal language. The free version can answer questions, help with writing, search the web and create images. You can begin without signing in; a personal Microsoft account unlocks features such as chat history, longer conversations and voice. Microsoft 365 subscriptions add Copilot inside apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
✓ A good fit if you want to…
- Already use Windows, Edge or Microsoft 365
- Want current web answers with source links
- Need everyday writing, planning and image help
– Choose another tool if you…
- Need every source checked automatically
- Mainly want finished video or advanced design
- Do not want AI connected to Microsoft apps or files
YOUR FIRST 10 MINUTES
Start in three steps
- 1Open Microsoft CopilotYou can begin without signing in.
- 2Ask one clear questionAdd your goal, audience and useful context.
- 3Check and improveOpen source links and ask a follow-up.
TRY THIS FIRST PROMPT
Help me plan [a task] for [a person]. Use current web information where helpful, show the source links, give three simple steps, and tell me what I should check.
POPULAR USES
What can it help with?
PLANS
Free or paid?
Chat, writing and web-grounded answers at no cost. Signing in adds history, image creation, longer conversations, voice and other features.
Best for trying Copilot and everyday questions.Copilot inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, higher usage than Free, 60 monthly image credits and 1TB storage.
Best for one person who regularly uses Microsoft 365 apps.The highest consumer Copilot limits, advanced AI features and agents, plus up to 6TB storage for a household.
Best for heavy Copilot use and complex multi-step work.✓Free is enough if…you mainly ask questions, write text, research the web or occasionally create images. Most beginners should start here.
+Consider paid if…you want Copilot inside Microsoft 365 apps or regularly reach the free limits. Personal suits most solo users; Premium is for heavier AI use and agents.
*US consumer prices checked on 23 August 2026. Personal is also $99.99/year and Premium $199.99/year. Taxes, local prices, features and limits can vary. AI benefits in Family and Premium are for the subscription owner only.
GOOD TO KNOW
Safety and privacy
Open important sources
Check that each linked page really supports the answer.
Keep sensitive data private
Do not enter confidential, health, financial or identity information.
Review Privacy and Memory
Manage personalization, memory and model-training choices in Settings.
STILL CHOOSING?See the important differences side by side.
OFFICIAL EVIDENCE
Sources and freshness
We use official product and help pages for plan, access and privacy claims.
Free Copilot versus Microsoft 365Copilot plans for individualsAI credits and limitsMicrosoft Copilot privacy controlsMicrosoft Copilot Privacy FAQ
- Product and free access
- Plans, prices and limits
- Privacy, training and memory