How to Use Windows 11 Copilot: Setup & Features

Get Copilot Ready to Use

Before you start chatting with Copilot, you need to make sure it's set up and accessible. These guides help you enable Copilot, activate voice commands, and get it ready for your first conversation.

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 Jul 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. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Use Copilot for Daily Tasks

Once Copilot is ready, you can start using it for everyday tasks. Learn how to adjust its appearance, manage add-ons called plugins, and even use its vision feature to understand what's on your screen.

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. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 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. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 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. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Manage Your Copilot History

1 How to Access Copilot Conversation History in Windows Copilot conversation history saves your chats with Microsoft Copilot automatically. This history lets you easily find and revisit past conversations, like when… 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 How to Delete items from your Copilot conversation history Deleting items from your Copilot conversation history lets you manage your privacy and keep chats organized. Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant built… 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

3 How to Delete your entire Copilot conversation History Deleting your entire Copilot conversation history lets you clear all past chats with Microsoft's AI assistant. Copilot is Microsoft's helpful AI built… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 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. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Fine-Tune Copilot's Functionality

Sometimes you might want Copilot to work with specific apps or need to refresh its connection. These guides cover how to enable Copilot in apps like Notepad and how to refresh Copilot if it's not responding correctly.

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. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 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. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Common questions

How do I turn on Copilot in 🪟 Windows 11?

You can usually find the Copilot icon on your taskbar. Clicking it will open Copilot. If you don't see it, you may need to enable it in your Windows settings or check for updates.

Can I talk to Copilot using my voice?

Yes, Windows 11 allows you to use voice commands with Copilot. You'll need to enable the 'Hey, Copilot' feature in your Windows settings to use hands-free voice commands.

Where can I see my past Copilot conversations?

You can access your Copilot conversation history by opening Copilot and looking for an option to view your chat history. This is usually found within the Copilot window itself.

How do I get rid of my Copilot chat history?

What are Copilot plugins?

Plugins are like add-ons that give Copilot extra abilities. They can connect Copilot to other services or apps, allowing it to perform a wider range of tasks, such as planning trips or shopping.