How to Access and Use Copilot from the Windows Taskbar

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
Windows 11 24H2
You will need
Windows 11 device, Active Microsoft Account, Stable internet connection

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Enable the Copilot taskbar icon

    Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I. Navigate to Personalization, then select Taskbar. Toggle the Copilot switch to the On position to reveal the icon on your taskbar.

    Note: If the toggle is greyed out, ensure your Windows 11 version is updated to the latest build.
  2. 30 sec

    Activate the Copilot pane

    Click the Copilot icon located to the right of the Search bar or Start button. Alternatively, use the global keyboard shortcut to summon the interface instantly from any application.

    Note: The Copilot pane anchors to the right side of your desktop without obscuring your active windows.
  3. 1 min

    Adjust conversational tone and focus

    Click the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner of the Copilot pane to select your conversation style: Creative, Balanced, or Precise. This setting dictates the logic and descriptive depth of the AI responses.

    Note: Use Precise mode for technical queries or coding assistance.
  4. 1 min

    Input requests and system commands

    Type your query into the text field at the bottom of the pane. You can ask for information, generate text, or request system adjustments such as turning on Dark Mode or taking a screenshot.

    Note: Use the camera icon to upload screenshots for analysis or troubleshooting.
  5. 30 sec

    Clear the chat history

    Click the New Topic icon, located near the top left of the Copilot pane, to reset the session. This clears the current conversation context and starts a fresh instance for your next task.

    Note: Starting a new topic is recommended when switching between distinct projects.