Microsoft Copilot: complete guide to getting started for free (2026)
What Microsoft Copilot is, how to use it free in the browser, on Windows and mobile, what signing in adds and how it differs from Copilot in Word, Excel and Outlook.
Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant. Two “Copilots” are worth telling apart:
- Free Copilot: the chat at copilot.com and the Windows, Mac and mobile apps, for questions, writing, summaries and images.
- Copilot in Microsoft 365: built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, included with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions. See Copilot in Excel.
Where to find it
- Windows 11: preinstalled on new PCs (taskbar or Start); otherwise free from Microsoft Store. You can uninstall it in Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Browser: copilot.com or Microsoft Edge.
- Mobile: Microsoft Copilot app for iOS and Android.
- Mac: macOS 14 and M1 or later.
Sign in or not?
Optional, but Microsoft says a personal account unlocks chat history, more image creation, longer conversations and voice. On a personal account, Copilot can draw on your own content (OneDrive, Outlook.com) plus the web; with a work account, your organisation’s rules apply.
How to ask
Microsoft recommends goal, context, details and data. Example:
Write a notice for neighbours (goal) about Tuesday’s water cut (context), friendly and under 80 words (details).
Free plan limits
The free version is subject to capacity and limits. Microsoft offers a one-month trial of Microsoft 365 Personal, Family and Premium; terms vary by offer and region, so check before entering a card.
Good use
Copilot can be wrong (hallucinations): check facts. Don’t paste sensitive data.
In depth: age, history and memory
Minimum age. According to Microsoft Support, you must be at least 13 to use Copilot with a personal account, and some countries may set a higher age. For under-18s, Copilot does not use their chats to train models or show personalised ads.
Conversation history. If you are signed in, Copilot remembers your conversations and keeps the last 18 months. On copilot.com and in the Windows and macOS apps the history is on the left; on mobile, in the menu. You can delete all of it from Copilot activity management in your Microsoft account (“Delete all activity history”).
Memory. To make it forget something specific, ask it: for example, “Forget that I like science fiction movies”. To delete everything: profile icon › Memory › Delete all Memory (your history is not deleted). Check by asking “What do you know about me?”.
Personal or work account. The above applies to personal accounts. With a work or school account (Microsoft Entra) different data protection terms apply.
New app version. Microsoft released an updated Copilot app on 18 August 2026; some help pages state whether they refer to the old or the new version.
Plans and prices
| Plan | Price | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot | 0 € | Free app and web with a Microsoft account. |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | €10/month or €99/year | 1 person; Copilot in Office apps. |
| Microsoft 365 Familia | €13/month or €129/year | Up to 6 people. |
| Microsoft 365 Premium | €22/month or €219/year | Copilot with advanced features. |
Frequently asked questions
Is Copilot free?
Yes. Microsoft offers a limited free version subject to capacity and limits. Integration in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook comes with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Do I need to sign in?
No, but a personal account gives chat history, image creation, longer conversations and voice, according to Microsoft.
Does it work on Mac?
Yes, with macOS 14 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later. Check availability in your country’s App Store.
How much AI costs in Spain: Microsoft 365 with Copilot price in Spain (checked 16 Oct 2026)
Keep reading
Sources
- Conversation history in Microsoft Copilot — Microsoft
- Microsoft Copilot for individuals: Copilot for young people — Microsoft
- Microsoft Copilot privacy controls — Microsoft
- Get started with Microsoft Copilot — Microsoft
- Microsoft Copilot (free) vs. Copilot in Microsoft 365 — Microsoft
- Access Microsoft Copilot on Windows — Microsoft
- Copilot plans for individuals (FAQ) — Microsoft
Change log
- : First published with Microsoft’s official help as checked that day.
Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.