Getting started with Copilot on Windows

Features 

The Copilot app for Windows generally supports all the same features available on copilot.com.

The Copilot app for Windows also supports some additional features not available elsewhere, including: 

• Windows shortcut key

• Wake word ("Hey Copilot")

• Copilot Vision

• File search

• Take a screenshot

• View web content

• Windows Settings support

See the sections below for more information about these features. 

Windows Shortcut Key 

In Windows, you can launch the Copilot app at any time in one of the following ways:

• Press the Copilot key on your keyboard.

• Using the Windows key + C keyboard shortcut.

The Windows shortcut key can either launch the full application or just a smaller ‘quick view’.  You can configure how these shortcut keys behave by going to Account > Settings > Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts.

Wake word ("Hey Copilot")

You can invoke Copilot by saying aloud the phrase “Hey Copilot”. This opt-in, hands-free experience helps you stay in your flow when you need answers to a question or just need to bounce an idea off Copilot.

Learn how to use the Copilot wake word ("Hey Copilot").

Copilot Vision 

Copilot Vision can see browser windows or apps you have open on your screen and then answer questions or help you do something step by step. 

Learn how to use Copilot Vision on Windows.

File search 

Copilot on Windows you can help you find, open and ask questions about the contents of a file on your device (including synced files from OneDrive on your device). File search supports most file types and can read .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, .json files.  

For example, you can ask Copilot to: 

• “Find my meal prep file” and it will return a file like mealprep.docx or mealprep_plan.xlsx.

• “Find my files from last week” and it will return a list of files created last week.

• “File PDFs on my device” and it will return files of that type.

You can adjust permissions for what Copilot file search can access by going to Account > Settings > File Search and File Read and toggling the setting. 

Take a screenshot 

If you want to ask Copilot a question about something on your screen, you can use the screenshot feature to capture and share all or just a part of your screen. 

Here’s how you use it: 

1. In the Copilot Composer, select + and then Take a Screenshot.

2. Use the selection cursor to mark the portion of your screen you want to upload to Copilot.

3. Once captured, type the question you want to ask Copilot about the screenshot and submit it.

Viewing Web Content

Open and view web content without leaving your conversation in Copilot on Windows. When you click to open a link, Copilot opens the content in a side pane next to your conversation instead of a separate browser window, so you don't lose context. With your permission, Copilot will also have access to the context of the tabs you open in that conversation (and only in that conversation), so you can ask clarifying questions, summarize information across tabs, or ask Copilot’s help in drafting exactly the right words needed for the task.

Tabs you open will be saved with the conversation, so you can return to them when you come back to that conversation. Additionally, if you choose to enable it, you can sync passwords and form data so it’s easier to work within Copilot. To learn more about browsing history collection and how to control it, see Microsoft Copilot privacy controls.

Windows Settings support 

Copilot on Windows can help you adjust your Windows PC settings. Ask questions like "Make my screen easier to read" or "Help me focus by reducing distractions," and Copilot will guide you to the relevant option in Windows Settings.