How to Use the Copilot Built into Windows 11
What Copilot reliably does today, how to open it, why Microsoft has been dialling back its deeper system integrations during 2026 — and how to switch it off entirely if you prefer.
Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant built into Windows 11 — though it is worth knowing that its role within the system has been shifting considerably, and still is.
Useful context: after weaving Copilot into many corners of the system (Notepad, Paint, File Explorer...), Microsoft acknowledged in 2026 that it had overreached, and has been removing some of those more superficial integrations to focus on making Copilot work well as a standalone app rather than being scattered everywhere.
How to open it
The Copilot icon on the taskbar, or Windows + C. A
chat panel opens where you can type questions, request summaries, or
draft text.
What it does reliably today
- Answering general questions, like any conversational AI assistant.
- Drafting or summarising text you paste directly into the chat.
- Contextual help in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) if you have the corresponding subscription.
Note: Copilot does not analyse your files or your disk automatically by default — it only works with what you explicitly share in the conversation, unless you enable specific features that expressly allow it.
If you would rather not use it
Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → turn off Copilot. If it appears as an installed app you never use, you can uninstall it like any other from Settings → Apps.
Tip: since Copilot's integration in Windows keeps actively evolving, if you are looking for the exact latest feature, check the date on any guide you consult — what is true today may change in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
Is using Copilot mandatory in Windows 11?
No — it can be turned off under Settings → Personalization → Taskbar, and uninstalled like any other application if you never use it.
Can Copilot access my personal files without me asking?
Not by default — it only works with what you explicitly share in the conversation, unless you enable a specific feature designed for that.
Why has Copilot disappeared from some apps where it used to be?
Microsoft acknowledged in 2026 that it had integrated Copilot too aggressively into several system apps, and has removed some of those integrations to focus on a more polished standalone-app experience.