How to Use Windows 11 Copilot: Setup & Features

Get Copilot Ready to Use

Before your first chat, make sure Copilot is available and set up properly. You need three things: a Microsoft account signed in on the PC, an internet connection, and a Windows 11 build that includes Copilot. Then enable the assistant, turn on voice activation if you want it, and get your workspace ready for the first prompt.

Home and Pro editions both support Copilot. On a work or school PC, an administrator may have disabled it. If it is missing there and nothing on this page fixes it, ask your IT department.

1 How to Enable Hey, Copilot: Hands-Free Voice Commands on Windows 11 The article details the process of enabling the "Hey, Copilot" voice command for hands-free interaction with Microsoft's Copilot on Windows 11. Users can enable or disable the feature via the app's settings. This functionality enhances multitasking by allowing users to converse with the AI assistant while maintaining focus on other tasks. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Create a Desktop Shortcut for Copilot in Windows 11 The article details how to create a desktop shortcut for Copilot in Windows 11, a feature introduced in Microsoft's build 23493 that allows users to interact with Bing Chat AI across multiple applications. Through a process involving creating a new shortcut, pasting a specific line of code, and customizing the icon, users can easily access the Copilot feature from their desktop rather than going through menus or taskbars. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Use Copilot for Daily Tasks

Once you are in an active session, Copilot can help with daily tasks such as drafting text, summarizing information, and answering questions. A few options make it more useful: customizing the interface, managing plugins, and using the screen vision features.

Plugins are add-ons that connect Copilot to outside services. Screen vision lets Copilot look at what is on your screen so you can ask about it. Both are optional. Some are rolled out gradually, so if you do not see one, it may not have reached your PC yet. Update Windows and the Copilot app, then check again.

1 Getting Started with Copilot Vision on Windows 11 The article explains the new Copilot Vision feature in Microsoft Copilot for Windows 11, enabling voice interactions to ask questions about on-screen content. Users can integrate Copilot into their workflow, allowing hands-free assistance. Regular updates aim to enhance productivity and user experience, making it a significant advancement in digital engagement. 7 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Manage Copilot Plugins in Windows 11 The article instructs how to turn on or off plugins for Microsoft's new Copilot feature in Windows 11. Copilot, which operates with Bing Chat AI, enables interaction with multiple applications and system settings through natural language. Users can customize Copilot by enabling or disabling plugins that add functionality according to their needs and preferences. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

3 How to Resize Windows 11 Copilot Side Pane The article provides a guide on how to resize the Copilot side pane in Windows 11. With the new update in Windows 11 build 23493, users can customize the Copilot side pane size for a more comfortable reading and interacting experience. Steps include hovering the mouse pointer to the pane's left border until the pointer resembles a double arrow cursor, then dragging it to the desired size. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Manage Your Copilot History

Copilot stores your past conversations automatically, so you can go back to an earlier answer instead of asking again. You can manage that record in two ways. You can remove individual items, or you can wipe everything and start fresh. The sections below show where to find each option.

1 How to Access Copilot Conversation History in Windows Copilot conversation history in Windows 11 saves your past AI chats automatically, so you can look up old questions and answers later.… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Delete Items from Your Copilot Conversation History Deleting items from your Copilot conversation history clears past chats and questions from the Copilot sidebar. Microsoft Copilot saves these interactions by… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

3 How to Delete Your Entire Copilot Conversation History Clearing your entire Microsoft Copilot conversation history deletes every past chat log that Copilot has saved since its launch in late 2023.… 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

4 How to Clear Recent Activity in Windows 11 Copilot The article instructs on how to delete or clear recent activity in the Copilot feature on Windows 11. This new feature added in the Windows 11 build 23493 allows users to interact with Bing Chat AI for various tasks. Clearing the history of recent activities ensures privacy and control over user data. The process involves opening the Copilot sidebar pane, selecting the 'Recent Activity' button, and opting for delete or edit options. 5 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Fine-Tune Copilot's Functionality

Copilot also works inside some utilities, and that integration sometimes needs manual setup or troubleshooting. The steps below cover turning on Copilot inside Notepad. They also cover forcing a reconnect when Copilot stops responding.

If Copilot stops responding, try these in order:

1. Close the Copilot window completely, then open it again.
2. Check that you are online and still signed in to your Microsoft account.
3. Run Windows Update and the Microsoft Store updates, then restart the PC.

1 How to Enable or Disable Copilot in Notepad on Windows 11 The article details how to enable or disable the Copilot feature in Notepad on Windows 11. Copilot offers AI capabilities like rewriting and summarizing text. Users can toggle this feature in the settings menu, enhancing productivity and editing clarity, while also enjoying various Notepad customization options for an improved experience. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Refresh Copilot on Windows 11 The article details how to refresh Copilot prompts on Windows 11 using the new Bing Chat AI-powered Copilot experience. A new Copilot button is added to devices running Windows 11 build 23493 or later, which can be accessed via the taskbar or a shortcut (Windows key + C). This button allows users to interact with the chatbot and adjust various system settings. The article provides a guide on how to refresh Copilot on demand, enabling users to start new conversations with the chatbot. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Common questions

How do I turn on Copilot in 🪟 Windows 11?

The Copilot icon is on the taskbar by default, and clicking it opens the panel straight away. If the icon is missing, there are usually two causes. The feature may be switched off in Windows settings, or an update may be waiting to install.

To check the setting, try this:

1. Open Settings › Personalization › Taskbar
2. Look under Taskbar items for a Copilot toggle and switch it On. The icon should appear on the taskbar.
3. If there is no Copilot toggle, install pending updates from Settings › Windows Update, then restart.

To hide the icon later, switch the same toggle back to Off. Nothing is uninstalled.

Can I talk to Copilot using my voice?

Windows 11 supports voice dictation, so you can talk to Copilot instead of typing. To use it hands-free, turn on the "Hey, Copilot" setting in the configuration. Then Copilot responds to the voice command.

Voice needs a working microphone. If Copilot cannot hear you, check Settings › Privacy & security > Microphone and make sure microphone access is on. Voice features may also be limited to certain languages or builds. To turn the wake phrase off, switch the same setting back off.

Where can I see my past Copilot conversations?

Your transcript history stays available inside the Copilot window. To find it, open Copilot and look for the history menu. It lists your earlier prompts and chats. Pick one to reopen it and continue where you left off.

If you cannot find a recent conversation, check that you are signed in with the same Microsoft account you used before. A different account, or a guest session, shows a different history.

How do I get rid of my Copilot chat history?

You have control over what Copilot keeps. You can remove specific conversations or wipe the entire archive. Both options are in the Copilot app's settings panel.

Deleting history cannot be undone, so check which items you are removing before you confirm. Your Microsoft account may also hold activity data outside the app. If you want a full cleanup, review your privacy settings on your Microsoft account page as well.

What are Copilot plugins?

Plugins extend Copilot by linking outside services and applications to it. These add-ons can handle more involved tasks, such as booking travel or managing online purchases.

Plugin availability depends on your Windows build and Copilot version, and Microsoft has changed which ones are offered over time. If you do not see a plugins option, keep Windows and the Copilot app up to date, then look again. Only connect services you trust, since a plugin can share what you type with that service. To disconnect one, turn it off in the same plugins list.