Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Two Copilots, one name, and a lot of confusion. Here’s how to tell them apart and why it matters for your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 17, 2025

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If you’ve ever asked, “Wait, which Copilot am I using?” you’re not alone. 

Microsoft has launched multiple AI-powered assistants under the “Copilot” brand, and while they share a name, they serve very different roles. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft 365 Copilot is inside Microsoft 365 apps.

Whether you're a business user, educator, or productivity enthusiast, understanding the difference between Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot can save you time and headaches.

Feature Explanation

Microsoft 365 Copilot is embedded inside the Microsoft 365 suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. 

It’s designed to supercharge your productivity by helping you write, summarize, analyze, and create directly within these apps. 

Think of it as your AI-powered colleague who knows your documents, emails, meetings, and calendar.

Microsoft Copilot (without the “365”) is the broader assistant built into Windows 11, Bing, Edge, and other Microsoft services. 

It’s your general-purpose AI companion for web search, troubleshooting, creative tasks, and system-level help. 

It can answer questions, generate images, summarize web pages, and even help with coding, but it doesn’t have access to your Microsoft 365 content unless you explicitly connect it.

In short:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot  = AI inside your Office apps.
• Microsoft Copilot  = AI across your device and browser.

What You’ll Gain

• Clarity: Know which Copilot to use for which task. 
• Efficiency: Use Microsoft 365 Copilot for deep document work. 
• Versatility: Use Microsoft Copilot for web, system, and creative tasks. 
• Control: Understand what data each Copilot can access.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop

Microsoft 365 Copilot:

1. Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 subscription required).
2. Look for the Copilot icon in the ribbon or sidebar.  Or use the Microsoft 365 App for Windows, click HERE.
3. Click and type your prompt (e.g., “Summarize this document”).

fig. 1 - Use Microsoft 365 Copilot Inside Apps

Microsoft Copilot:

1. On Windows 11, press Windows + C or click the Copilot icon on the taskbar or go to copilot.microsoft.com. Need Copilot for Windows?  Click HERE.
2. Type or speak your request (e.g., “What’s the weather in Tokyo?”).
3. Use Edge for web-based Copilot features like summarizing pages or generating images.

fig. 2 - Use Microsoft Copilot Across Devices

iOS

Microsoft 365 Copilot:

1. Open the Microsoft 365 mobile app (Word, Excel, etc.).
2. Or use the Microsoft 365 Copilot App.
3. Tap the Copilot icon if available.
4. Use prompts like “Create a summary slide.”

Microsoft Copilot:

1. Use the Microsoft Copilot app or Edge browser.
2. Tap the microphone or keyboard to ask questions or generate content.

Android

Microsoft 365 Copilot:

1. Open the relevant Microsoft 365 app (Word, Excel, etc.).
2. Or use the Microsoft 365 Copilot App.
3. Tap the Copilot icon.
4. Try prompts like “Draft a reply to this email.”

Microsoft Copilot:

1. Use the Copilot app or Edge browser.
2. Ask questions, generate images, or get help with tasks.

Pros and Cons

Microsoft 365 Copilot

Pros

• Deep integration with your documents and calendar.
• Context-aware writing and summarizing.

Cons

• Requires Microsoft 365 subscription.
• Limited to supported apps and enterprise rollout.

Microsoft Copilot

Pros

• Free and widely available 
• Great for general questions, creativity, and system help 

Cons

• Doesn’t access your Microsoft 365 content unless connected. 
• Less useful for document-specific tasks.

Feature Access

Microsoft 365 Copilot:

• Requires Microsoft 365 subscription.
• Region availability varies; check Microsoft roadmap.
• Pricing:  Personal - Business

Microsoft Copilot:

• Available free in Windows 11.
• Also available in Edge and Bing.
• No subscription required.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Microsoft 365 Copilot offers deep productivity gains for paid users. Microsoft Copilot is free and versatile.

Usability 8

Both are intuitive, but Microsoft 365 Copilot requires app familiarity and subscription setup.

Wow Factor 9

The AI-powered document editing and summarization in Microsoft 365 Copilot is impressive.

Total: 26/30 🌟 Excellent

Microsoft’s dual Copilot strategy delivers powerful AI tools for both general and professional use.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft 365 Copilot is your in-app productivity partner, while Microsoft Copilot is your system-wide assistant. 

Knowing which to use, and when, can dramatically improve your workflow.

Cool Tip Snapshot

Feature Name: Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot.

Platform(s): Windows 11, iOS, Android, Web.

Quick Benefit: Choose the right Copilot for the right task.

Access Type: Microsoft 365 Copilot (Subscription), Microsoft Copilot (Free).

Try It Yourself

Open Word or Excel and try asking Microsoft 365 Copilot to summarize your latest document. 

Then launch Microsoft Copilot from your taskbar and ask it to generate a packing list for your next trip. 

Share this tip with your team, family, or friends and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more smart shortcuts.

READ MORE

• How to Use Copilot in Microsoft 365 Word to Create and Edit Documents More Efficiently
  
• Create Like a Pro with Copilot in Outlook
  
• Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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