AI applications / Language Models & Chatbots / Microsoft Copilot
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft's consumer AI assistant, available via copilot.microsoft.com, built into Bing Search, integrated in Windows 11 and available as a mobile app. It is based on GPT-4 and has standard access to real-time web searches via Bing. Copilot offers a similar experience to ChatGPT but with the Microsoft branding and deeper Windows integration.
How does Microsoft Copilot work?
Copilot combines the GPT-4 model with Bing's search capabilities, giving it constant access to current information. For each question, Copilot determines whether it needs a web search and integrates the results transparently into the answer — including source references.
In Windows 11, Copilot is available as a side panel that understands the entire Windows environment: you can analyze screenshots, adjust Windows settings, search for files and perform system management tasks via Copilot.
Core features
- Real-time web search — always current information via Bing
- Image generation — via DALL·E 3 integration
- Windows integration — system management via Windows Copilot
- File analysis — analyze documents and images
- Conversational — multi-step conversations with memory
- Free — basic version available without subscription
Difference from Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft Copilot (consumer) is the free assistant via copilot.microsoft.com. Microsoft 365 Copilot (business) is the paid version (€30/user/month) integrated in Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams with access to company data.
Advantages
- Free to use
- Built-in Bing search for current information
- Seamless Windows 11 integration
Disadvantages
- Less powerful than ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro
- Limited customizability
Who is it for?
Microsoft Copilot is for Windows users who want a free, well-integrated AI assistant without an extra subscription.
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