Since Microsoft announced Copilot, interest has surged from individual users, power users and business leaders alike, all asking the same question: is Microsoft Copilot free?
The short answer is yes – there is a free version of Microsoft Copilot – but the full picture is more nuanced. In this blog, we explore Microsoft Copilot free vs paid options, what features are included, how Copilot works across Microsoft apps, and when it makes sense to invest in more advanced tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot or Copilot Pro. We’ll also explain how Zenzero can help you leverage Copilot safely and effectively across your organisation.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an artificial intelligence assistant built into Microsoft’s ecosystem. It uses large language models and other AI models to assist users with everyday tasks such as writing documents, analysing data, answering questions, creating PowerPoint presentations and even image generation.
At its core, Copilot is designed to assist users, automate repetitive tasks, analyse data, and help people work more efficiently across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams. Copilot brings together conversational AI with the context of your work, allowing users to interact with their data in a more natural way.
Copilot is built on Microsoft Graph, meaning it can securely reference emails, files, meetings and chats – provided the right licences and permissions are in place.
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Yes, Microsoft Copilot is free for many users – but with limitations.
The free version of Microsoft Copilot, often referred to as Copilot free, is available to individual users with a personal Microsoft account. It is accessible through:
- The web version
- The Copilot app and Copilot mobile app (available via Google Play)
- Microsoft Edge and the Edge browser sidebar
- Windows Copilot, via the Copilot button on supported Windows devices
This free Copilot experience was widely reported by sources such as Windows Central and builds on what was previously known as Bing Chat.
What does the free version include?
For free users, Microsoft Copilot offers a solid set of capabilities, including:
- Copilot chat for answering questions and summarising web pages
- Bing Chat style conversational AI
- Image creation using Bing Image Creator and image creator tools
- Generate images and assist with image generation for creative tasks
- Help with writing, brainstorming and research
- Support across the edge browser and web-based experiences
This makes Copilot free an excellent entry point for individual users, students, and those wanting to explore artificial intelligence without a personal subscription.
However, the free version does not include deep integration with desktop apps such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Outlook, nor does it provide enterprise-level data protection.
What about Windows Copilot?
Windows Copilot extends the Copilot experience directly into Windows. With it, users can adjust settings, summarise content, answer questions, and interact with their device in a more conversational way.
While Windows Copilot is available at no extra cost on supported devices, its functionality still aligns closely with the free version unless paired with paid Copilot licences.
Copilot Pro – what’s different?
For those who want more advanced features, Microsoft introduced Copilot Pro.
Microsoft Copilot Pro is a personal subscription aimed at power users and professionals. It provides:
- Priority access to the latest AI models
- Faster performance and early access to new features
- Deeper integration with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (for Microsoft 365 Personal subscribers)
- Enhanced data analysis, content creation and productivity tools
Copilot Pro is ideal for users who regularly work with Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook and want to push Copilot further in their daily workflows.
Microsoft 365 Copilot for business
For organisations, the real power lies in Microsoft 365 Copilot (also referred to as Copilot for Microsoft 365).
This is not free. It is a paid add-on for eligible Microsoft 365 business licences and is designed specifically for the workplace.
Key Copilot features include:
- Full integration with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- AI-powered assistance for meetings, emails and presentations
- Advanced tools to automate repetitive tasks
- Secure access to organisational data via Microsoft Graph
- Enterprise level data protection, compliance features and governance
- Support for enterprise data protection and Bing Chat Enterprise
This version is built for business leaders who want to safely deploy AI across teams while maintaining security, compliance and control.
Free vs paid: which should you choose?
So, is Microsoft Copilot free enough? It depends on your needs.
- Free version: Great for personal use, learning, basic image creation and answering questions
- Copilot Pro: Ideal for individual professionals and power users
- Microsoft 365 Copilot: Best for organisations that need security, compliance, productivity gains and deeper integration
For businesses, the question is not just cost – it’s how to deploy Copilot responsibly and get real value from it.
Why work with Zenzero?
At Zenzero, we help organisations get the most from Microsoft technologies. From licensing advice to secure deployment, we support you at every stage of your Copilot journey.
We can help you:
- Decide whether Copilot free, Copilot Pro or Microsoft 365 Copilot is right for you
- Prepare your environment, identity and data using Entra ID and best practices
- Ensure compliance features and enterprise data protection are correctly configured
- Train users to become confident, responsible Copilot users
- Build custom solutions with Copilot Studio and the Microsoft Power Platform
Whether you are just exploring AI or ready to scale Copilot across your business, our experts ensure you unlock all the features safely and effectively.
Get in touch with Zenzero today to discuss how Microsoft Copilot can transform the way your organisation works.