Copilot is not one product with one price. Microsoft uses the name for the free assistant in Windows, Edge, and apps, plus paid Copilot features inside Microsoft 365. That is why the pricing can feel muddy.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you see Copilot in Windows, Edge, the Copilot app, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, or Teams and want to know what is free and what requires a subscription.
What is free: Copilot in Windows and Edge
Most people first see the free version.
- Copilot in Windows taskbar or app is free to use with a Microsoft account, with limited use possible in some places without signing in.
- Copilot in Microsoft Edge is free for general chat, writing help, web answers, and page summaries where available.
- The standalone Copilot app on Windows, iOS, and Android is free for basic use.
- Signing into a free Microsoft account usually raises usage limits compared with anonymous use.
- You do not need Microsoft 365 just to use free Copilot in Windows or Edge.
What costs money: Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Copilot
Paid plans add limits, priority, and Office integration.
- Copilot Pro: Aimed at individuals who want higher limits, priority access, or extra AI features.
- Microsoft 365 personal plans: Some Copilot features may be bundled with monthly AI credits depending on the current plan.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot for business: Usually a per-user paid add-on requiring an eligible Microsoft 365 business or enterprise subscription.
- Office integration: Paid Copilot is what drafts in Word, analyzes Excel tables, summarizes Outlook threads, and works inside Teams.
- Check Microsoft’s pricing page for current amounts because Microsoft has changed pricing and bundling more than once.
More control
Identify which Copilot you are seeing
A taskbar, Edge, or standalone app icon usually means free Copilot. A Copilot button inside Word, Excel, Outlook, or Teams usually points to Microsoft 365 Copilot or plan-specific Office integration.
Upgrade only for the workflow you use
Paid Copilot makes the most sense if you draft long documents, build spreadsheets, manage heavy email, or live inside Microsoft 365 all day. Light question-and-answer use is often covered by the free version.
Work accounts are controlled by admins
If you use a school or company Microsoft 365 account, your administrator controls licensing and availability. Ask IT before assuming a missing feature is a personal billing problem.
Sources
- Microsoft – Copilot pricing and plans (2026)
- Microsoft Support – Microsoft 365 Copilot pricing (2026)
- Microsoft Support – What is Copilot in Windows? (2026)