Subtitle: If You Thought AI Would Save You Money, I Have Some Oceanfront Property in Kansas to Sell You.
Ah, Microsoft.
The company that gave us Clippy, Internet Explorer, and the ability to waste hours in Outlook without ever quite getting to “Inbox Zero.” Now they’re here with Copilot — their shiny new AI assistant that’s supposed to revolutionize how we work. (Spoiler: It might. But it might also revolutionize how you spend money.)
Let’s break this down like adults who don’t have time for a 37-slide PowerPoint.
1. Free Copilot? Yes, But You’ll Be Asked to Upgrade Faster Than a Free Sample at Costco
If you’re just looking to casually flirt with AI — you know, a little “Hey Copilot, help me write an email” — then congratulations. You can use Copilot for free through:
- Bing.com (their search engine that isn’t Google)
- Microsoft Edge (the browser you open accidentally when you mistype “Chrome”)
- Windows 11 (as long as your computer isn’t still running Windows 7 because “it works fine”).
What Free Gets You:
Some decent AI help — answering questions, helping write stuff, summarizing web pages. It’s like having a moderately competent intern who only sometimes misunderstands you.
2. Want the Good Stuff? Start Loosening Those Purse Strings
You know all those magical demos where Copilot whips up a killer Excel spreadsheet, summarizes your 97-slide deck, and drafts emails that make you sound smarter than you are?
Yeah, that costs extra.
- Copilot Pro:
- About $20/month.
- Works with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Offers faster AI, better features, and a side order of “Why does Word know me better than my spouse?”
- Copilot for Work (Enterprise):
- About $30/user/month — plus, you still need Microsoft 365 licenses. (Because bundling is fun.)
- This version is serious business. AI, but with extra security and control so your intern’s cat memes don’t end up on a shareholder call.
What Paid Gets You:
Actual integration inside the apps you live in every day. Summarize meetings you didn’t attend. Create reports without crying. Draft emails with zero typos (you’re welcome).
3. Which One Should You Pick, You Ask?
Here’s the quick guide:
| Situation | Copilot Version |
|---|---|
| “I just want to mess around for free.” | Bing / Edge Copilot |
| “I want AI inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint.” | Copilot Pro ($20/month) |
| “I run a business and need real security.” | Copilot for Work ($30/user/month) |
If you’re a small or mid-sized business owner who still occasionally yells at the printer, start with free.
If you like it, or if Karen in accounting starts using it to crank out 14 reports before lunch, upgrade.
4. Closing Thoughts: Because Microsoft Likes To Keep You On Your Toes
Is Copilot free?
Yes — and also no.
Microsoft is basically giving you the first taste for free, then politely handing you a price list when you get hooked.
It’s capitalism at its finest, folks.
But — if used smartly, Copilot can actually save your business real time and real money (and possibly a few employee sanity days).
Just make sure you know which version you’re using, and don’t be surprised when your “free trial” becomes “yet another subscription fee.”
Want a quick visual guide to share with your team?
👉 Download our simple Copilot Cost Table here.
Or just print it and tape it next to the coffee machine. Trust me, it’ll save you so many questions.
