One key to call it up
The Copilot key, or Windows + C, opens a small input window on top of your work. A long press starts the voice conversation directly.
AI tools · Your computer
Copilot on Windows pricing, use cases, and first steps
This is the Copilot app installed on Windows 11 PCs. A key on the keyboard opens it on top of what you are doing. It can do what Copilot does on the web, and it also finds your files, looks at a window you share, and guides you through Windows settings.
Copilot on Windows has a free plan. Prices checked on October 5, 2026 on the vendor’s official page.
Copilot on WindowsCopilot in Windows 11: one key, your voice, and your screen- Vendor
- Microsoft (United States)
- Free plan
- Yes
- In the European Union
- Partly available
- Page checked on
- October 5, 2026
What Copilot on Windows does
Who it’s for: anyone who works on a Windows 11 PC.
Find and read your files
Copilot searches the files on your PC and in OneDrive: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, text. It can then summarize one or answer a question about it.
Copilot Vision: show it your screen
You share a window or an app. Copilot looks at it and guides you out loud, showing where to click. It does not click for you.
Also
- Hey Copilot: talk hands-free
- Adjust Windows by asking
- Ask a question about a screenshot
- Click to Do, on Copilot+ PCs
- Copilot in File Explorer
Copilot on Windows pricing
Click to Do and Recall cannot be bought: they require a Copilot+ PC. Prices checked on October 3, 2026.
| Plan | Price | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Personal | €10 per month, or €99 per year | You want screen sharing and Copilot in Word and Excel |
| Microsoft 365 Premium | €22 per month, or €219 per year | Heavy personal use |
What the free plan includes
The app, the Copilot key, voice, file search, and help with settings are free with a personal Microsoft account. Limits vary with demand.
Nova’s advice
Nothing to pay to get started: the essentials are free. A Microsoft 365 Personal subscription is only worth it if you want screen sharing (Copilot Vision) or Copilot in Word and Excel. At work, first see what your company provides.
A first try, in 3 minutes
Your data. Copilot sees your screen only if you share it, and your files only if you allow it in the settings.
What it does less well
- Copilot Vision advises but does not act: it does not click or type for you. It also requires a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- “Hey Copilot” is triggered only in English, with the PC unlocked and the app open.
Find a file by describing itCopilot on Windows- Press the Copilot key, or Windows + C.
- Describe the file you are looking for, in your own words.
- Click the suggested file to open it.
- Then ask: “Summarize it in five points.”
The prompt to copy
Find the Excel budget file I worked on last month.
Jobs that use Copilot on Windows
In the starter kit for one job.
Alternatives to Copilot on Windows
Microsoft Copilot
The full Copilot page: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and all the plans.
Gemini
Its Windows app, released in September 2026, opens with Alt + Space.
ChatGPT
Its Windows app also opens with Alt + Space.
Apple Intelligence
The Mac counterpart: the assistant built into Apple’s system.
In the same family: your computer
Read next
Frequently asked questions about Copilot on Windows
How much does Copilot on Windows cost?
Microsoft 365 Personal: €10 per month, or €99 per year; Microsoft 365 Premium: €22 per month, or €219 per year. Prices checked on October 5, 2026 on the vendor’s official page.
Can you use Copilot on Windows for free?
Yes. The app, the Copilot key, voice, file search, and help with settings are free with a personal Microsoft account. Limits vary with demand.
What happens to my data with Copilot on Windows?
Copilot sees your screen only if you share it, and your files only if you allow it in the settings.
What are the alternatives to Copilot on Windows?
Microsoft Copilot: The full Copilot page: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and all the plans. Gemini: Its Windows app, released in September 2026, opens with Alt + Space. ChatGPT: Its Windows app also opens with Alt + Space. Apple Intelligence: The Mac counterpart: the assistant built into Apple’s system.
Official pages consulted
Page checked on October 5, 2026. Brands are named to identify the tools. No affiliation.