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. 

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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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Let AI Help You Write in WhatsApp

Let AI Help You Write in WhatsApp

WhatsApp just added a smarter way to refine your messages before you send them. Pick your tone, preview the rewrite, and send something that sounds clearer and more intentional.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 16, 2025

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Have you ever hit "send" on a message only to instantly regret the tone? 

Perhaps you meant to sound encouraging, but it came across as demanding. 

Maybe you drafted a professional update that read like a casual chat. 

In today’s fast-paced digital communication, getting the tone right is critical, especially when sending work or business-related messages on platforms like WhatsApp. 

An unintended nuance can derail a deal or create unnecessary friction with a coworker or client. 

This is a common and frustrating problem. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Let AI rewrite your WhatsApp Messages.

Fortunately, WhatsApp now offers a smart solution built right into the composition window.

🤖 One Cool Tip AI Companion

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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AI Mode in Chrome is Easier to Use on iOS and Android

AI Mode in Chrome is Easier to Use on iOS and Android

Chrome now puts an AI Mode button on the New Tab page in its iOS and Android apps, making Gemini-powered search and follow-up questions easier to reach on phones. U.S. rollout has begun, with broader availability planned.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 11, 2025

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You open Chrome to look something up and end up juggling five tabs and a dozen search tweaks. 

What if your phone could take complex questions, keep the thread, and serve relevant sources without the tap-dance?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New AI Mode Button in Chrome for iOS and Android.

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files right from your desktop using a simple prompt.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 10, 2025

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Need to draft a document but don’t want to open Word or Excel? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot for Windows to Export Office Docs.

With the latest update to Copilot on Windows, you can now generate full Office files using plain language, all without launching a single app.

This new feature is built for speed and simplicity.

Feature Explanation

Microsoft has added a new export option to the Copilot app on Windows 11. 

When you type a prompt like “Create a budget spreadsheet for Q4,” Copilot generates a response. 

If the response is long enough, typically around 600 characters or more, you’ll see an export button. 

From there, you can save the content as a Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF file.

This feature is only available in the Windows Copilot app (version 1.25095.161.0 or newer). 

It does not work in the web version of Copilot and you’ll need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use it.

What You’ll Gain

• Quick file creation: Generate and save documents in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF.
• No formatting required: Just describe what you need in plain language.
• One-click export: Save locally or to OneDrive without opening Office apps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Downloading the Copilot App for Windows (if not installed already).

1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 device.
2. Search for “Copilot”.
3. Select Microsoft Copilot from the results.
4. Click Install.
5. Once installed, launch Copilot from the taskbar or press Win + C.

Using the Export Feature

1. Open Copilot from the taskbar or shortcut.
2. Type a prompt like “Create a one-page summary of our Q3 sales”.
3. Review the generated content.
4. If the response is long enough, click the export icon.
5. Choose Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF.
6. Save the file or open it in the matching Office app.

fig. 1 - Export to Word, PDF, Excel and PowerPoint from Copilot

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast document creation for common tasks.
• No need to open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
• Supports multiple formats including PDF.

Cons

• Only works in the Windows Copilot app.
• Requires Microsoft 365.
• Export button only appears for longer responses.

Feature Access

• This feature is currently rolling out to Windows 11 users with Copilot app version 1.25095.161.0 or newer.
• Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription.
• Not available on the web, mobile, or older Windows versions.
• Export button appears only for longer responses.

Score

Criterion | Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 8

Saves time and simplifies file creation for Office users.

Usability 7

Easy to use, but limited to longer responses and Windows only.

Wow Factor 8

Turning a prompt into a ready-to-save file is genuinely useful.

Total: 23/30 Tier: 👍 Good.

A practical upgrade for Windows users who rely on Office, though not yet available everywhere.

Key Takeaways

Copilot’s new export feature lets Windows users create and save Office files from a simple prompt. 

It’s fast, intuitive, and ideal for quick drafts. 

Just keep in mind it only works in the Windows Copilot app.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Copilot Document Export
• Platform(s): Windows 11 (Copilot app only)
• Quick Benefit: Create and save Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files from a prompt
• Access Type: Subscription (Microsoft 365), Rolling Out

Try It Yourself

Download the Copilot app from the Microsoft Store, open it, and ask it to “create a weekly planner in Excel.” 

If the response is long enough, export it with one click. 

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READ MORE

• Meet Mico: Microsoft’s Visual Sidekick That’s Changing How You Use AI
  
• One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot
  
• Remix, Reuse, Reimagine: How Microsoft’s Copilot Creator Gallery Unlocks AI Image Creativity
  
• MORE Copilot Cool Tips

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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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Amazon's AI Shopping Assistant Ends Your Product Paralysis

Amazon's AI Shopping Assistant Ends Your Product Paralysis

Stop endlessly comparing products. Amazon's Help Me Decide feature uses generative AI to instantly summarize and contrast your options, making buying decisions simpler and faster.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 9, 2025

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Have you ever spent hours comparing similar items on Amazon only to still feel uncertain about which one to buy? 

Here's a Cool Tip: Let Amazon Help You Decide.

Amazon’s new feature aims to end that indecision by recommending a specific product for you and explaining why.

Personalize Your Chat in NotebookLM with Custom Goals

Personalize Your Chat in NotebookLM with Custom Goals

Set a clear goal for your chat in NotebookLM and watch how the AI adapts to behave like a strategist, researcher or storyteller. The latest upgrade unlocks deeper context, longer memory and smarter responses tied to your defined intent.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 10, 2025

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What if your AI research assistant didn’t just answer your questions but knew your objective and aligned itself around it? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Personalize Your NotebookLM Chats with Goals.

With the latest upgrade to NotebookLM, that scenario is now real. 

Google has helped turn a generic chat assistant into a goal-driven, persona-aware companion that can follow your defined agenda. 

Create a Coloring Book Page from Text

Create a Coloring Book Page from Text

Turn your words into artistic line drawings with a simple online tool.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 7, 2025

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Imagine typing a phrase like “a playful kitten chasing a butterfly” and instantly seeing it appear as a black-and-white line drawing ready to color. 

That's the new twist in AI creativity tools. 

Tools like ZColoring now generate line-art illustrations directly from text prompts, merging the simplicity of coloring books with the power of generative AI.

A Day at the Beach with Sora

 A Day at the Beach with Sora

Here's a fun video created with Sora.

Prompt:

• scene 1: 2 seconds

Setting:  A beautiful day at the beach and pier.  People of all ages walking on the pier, swimming and playing on the beach.  Blue sky with white puffy clouds.

Music: menacing music plays.

• scene 2: 2 seconds

Setting: A giant Octopus monster leaps from the water onto the pier.  People are screaming and running away.

Music: menacing music plays.

• scene 3: 2 seconds

Setting: The giant octopus rampages down the pier looking into store and arcade until he comes to an ice cream stand.

Music: menacing music plays.

• scene 4: 2 seconds.

The octopus shrinks to human size and is eating an ice cream cone.  He is happy and has a smile on his face.

Music: happy ice cream truck music plays/

Learn more about Sora:

• Unlocking Creativity (and Chaos): How Sora 2 Brings AI-Generated Video to Your Fingertips
  

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