Overview
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant launched by Microsoft, deeply integrated into Windows, Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Edge browser, and Bing search. As the AI deployment of the global office software giant, Copilot's core advantage lies in its seamless integration with the Office ecosystem.
On 2026-09-25, Microsoft shipped its largest Copilot update to date, which CEO Satya Nadella positioned as a new operating system for work spanning every model, device and task. The new Copilot splits into three surfaces: Home, Code and Autopilot. Home unifies Chat and Cowork with Word, Excel and PowerPoint built in; Code lets non-developers build apps in natural language, sharing underlying technology with GitHub Copilot and running in a sandbox; Autopilot handles automated task execution.
The underlying model information of Copilot is not explicitly stated on the official website. The free version is available in Bing and Edge, while the Microsoft 365 Copilot version requires an enterprise subscription.
Key Features
- Microsoft 365 Integration: Write documents in Word, analyze data in Excel, create slides in PowerPoint, compose emails in Outlook—AI is everywhere
- Home Surface: Unifies Chat and Cowork with Word, Excel and PowerPoint built in, introduced in the 2026-09-25 update
- Code Surface: Lets non-developers build apps in natural language, sharing underlying technology with GitHub Copilot and running in a sandbox
- Autopilot Surface: Handles automated task execution
- Bing AI Search: Intelligent search with answers accompanied by source citations
- Windows Integration: Directly invoke the AI assistant in Windows to manage settings and files
- Edge Browser AI: While browsing the web, you can use AI to summarize pages and answer questions
- Image Generation: Free AI image generation
- Code Assistance: Supports code generation and technical Q&A
Use Cases
- Productivity enhancement for Microsoft 365 office users
- Everyday AI assistant for Windows users
- Office workers who need to use AI in Word/Excel/PPT
- Search and content analysis for Edge browser users
- Free image generation needs
- Non-developers who want to build apps in natural language
- Automated task execution
Pros
- Unmatched Office integration: Use AI directly in Word/Excel/PPT
- Free version is not weak: Bing AI search and image generation are free
- Native Windows integration: AI assistant at the operating system level
- Free image generation
- Largest Copilot update yet, positioned as a new operating system for work spanning every model, device and task
- Three surfaces—Home, Code and Autopilot—cover unified chat and cowork, natural-language app building, and automated task execution
Pricing
Microsoft Copilot free version provides basic AI conversation, Bing AI search, and image generation. For specific pricing and feature details of Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Copilot, please refer to the latest information on the official website.
Summary
The core selling point of Microsoft Copilot is 'Office integration'—if your team heavily uses Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, M365 Copilot can significantly enhance office efficiency. The free version's Bing AI search and image generation are also very practical, making it the default entry point for Windows/Edge users. With the 2026-09-25 update, Copilot has been repositioned as a new operating system for work, splitting into Home, Code and Autopilot surfaces—Home unifies Chat and Cowork with Word, Excel and PowerPoint built in, Code lets non-developers build apps in natural language, and Autopilot handles automated task execution.
Version History
- Microsoft ships a new Copilot with Home, Code and Autopilot (2026-09-25): The new Copilot splits into three surfaces: Home unifies Chat and Cowork with Word, Excel and PowerPoint built in; Code lets non-developers build apps in natural language, sharing underlying technology with GitHub Copilot and running in a sandbox; Autopilot handles automated task execution.
- Satya Nadella calls it the largest Copilot update yet, positioned as the new OS for work (2026-09-25): Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced the largest Copilot update to date, positioning it as a new operating system for work that spans every model, device and task.