Copilot has moved around enough that older Windows and Edge instructions can send you to the wrong place. The current routes are the Copilot app on Windows, the Copilot button in Edge, the web app, and Microsoft 365 Copilot for work or school accounts.
Start with the fastest access method, then use the missing-button and account-specific fixes only when you need them.
1. Start with the Copilot app on Windows
On Windows, the main path is the Microsoft Copilot app. Open it from Taskbar > Copilot or Start > Copilot, then sign in with a personal Microsoft account. Microsoft says new Windows 11 PCs should have the app installed by default, and signing in enables chat history, image creation, longer conversations, voice interactions, and other Copilot features.
2. Add Copilot if the app is missing
This fixes a Windows PC that does not have the standalone Microsoft Copilot app installed.
- 1.Open Microsoft's Copilot download page.
- 2.Select Windows desktop app.
- 3.Open the official Microsoft Store listing for Microsoft Copilot.
- 4.Select Get or Install.
- 5.Open Copilot.
- 6.Sign in with your personal Microsoft account.
3. Launch Copilot in Microsoft Edge
Edge gives you Copilot from the browser sidebar when you want help with a website, video, or PDF. Sign in to Edge with a personal Microsoft account, open the page, then use Edge > Copilot in the upper-right corner and type your prompt. On first use, Edge asks permission before using page information in regions where that permission prompt applies.
4. Restore the Copilot button in Edge
This fixes Edge when the Copilot icon is missing because the sidebar or toolbar button is off.
Open Microsoft Edge.
Next, go to edge://settings/appearance/copilotAndSidebar.
There, select Always on for the sidebar.
Under App specific settings, select Copilot.
Then turn on Show Copilot button on the toolbar.
If Copilot does not appear in the app list, restart Edge.
5. Open Copilot from the web
The web version is the clean fallback when you do not want to install anything. Use Browser address bar > copilot.microsoft.com or Browser address bar > copilot.com, then sign in when needed. It works in any modern browser, including Microsoft Edge.
6. Use the keyboard shortcut or Copilot key
Press the Copilot key on a keyboard that has one.
Alternatively, press Windows key + C to open Microsoft Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot.
When Copilot is unavailable or disabled, use Windows key + C again to open or close Windows Search.
To change shortcut behavior in the Copilot app, open Account > Settings > Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts.
To customize the hardware key in Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard > Shortcuts and hotkeys > Customize Copilot key on keyboard.
Treat older Windows 11 sidebar directions as legacy, because the current replacement is the Copilot app or Microsoft 365 Copilot Quick View.
7. Turn on Hey Copilot for hands free access
For voice access in the standalone Windows Copilot app, open Copilot app > Account > Settings > Listen for 'Hey, Copilot' to start a conversation and turn it on. Keep the PC on, unlocked, online, and the Copilot app running, then say Hey Copilot. Wake word detection is available worldwide but supported only in English, while the conversation continues in supported Copilot Voice languages.
8. Switch to Microsoft 365 Copilot for work or school
This fixes cases where Copilot opens differently because your Windows or Edge profile belongs to work or school.
Install or open Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows.
After that, sign in with your work or school account.
For web access, go to m365.cloud.microsoft or m365.cloud.microsoft/chat and sign in.
In Edge, sign in with a Microsoft Entra account.
Click the Copilot icon in the upper-right corner or press Ctrl+Shift+..
When Copilot is missing, check your license and organization settings, because availability and capabilities vary by license and admin settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Microsoft account to use Copilot on Windows?
For the Windows Copilot app, Microsoft says sign-in requires a personal Microsoft account. Signing in enables chat history, image creation, longer conversations, voice interactions, and other Copilot features.
Why does Windows key + C open Search instead of Copilot?
Microsoft documents that Windows key + C opens Microsoft Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot. When Copilot is unavailable or disabled, the same shortcut opens or closes Windows Search.
Can Copilot in Edge use the page I am viewing?
In Edge, Copilot works with a website, video, or PDF after you open it from the toolbar. To stop it from using the current webpage, page title, open tabs, or browser history, use More > Settings > Privacy and turn off Context Clues.
What is the difference between Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is the personal Windows app used with a personal Microsoft account. Microsoft 365 Copilot is the work, school, or Microsoft 365 productivity app, and capabilities vary by license and organization settings.
