What Is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant and the direct equivalent of Google Gemini for schools using Microsoft 365. Like Gemini, its main strength is integration — Copilot works natively inside Word (for lesson content drafting), PowerPoint (for slide creation), Excel (for grade analysis), Teams (for meeting notes and communication), and OneNote (for lesson organisation). For schools with Microsoft 365 Education licenses, Copilot operates under Microsoft's strong student data privacy commitments. The standalone copilot.microsoft.com is free but requires careful use — avoid student data outside the school-licensed environment.

Pros & Cons

PROS
  • Free at copilot.microsoft.com for personal use
  • Built into Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Excel
  • Microsoft 365 Education version is FERPA-covered
  • Bing integration for real-time, cited web search
  • Strong at PowerPoint slide generation from outlines
  • Image generation via Designer built in
CONS
  • Weaker than ChatGPT for nuanced long-form writing
  • Full integration requires M365 admin to enable
  • Response quality is inconsistent across task types
  • Less education-specific than MagicSchool AI
  • UI feels less polished than ChatGPT or Gemini
  • Community resource library is smaller

Pricing

Free Tier
Free (copilot.microsoft.com)
Paid Plan
Included with Microsoft 365 Education
FERPA
✓ Yes — via Microsoft 365 Education
Platforms
Web, Windows, iOS, Android, Microsoft 365 add-in

Our Verdict

⚡
GOOD CHOICE

Recommended for Microsoft 365 Schools

Microsoft Copilot is the natural AI choice if your school already runs on Microsoft 365. The integration into Word and PowerPoint alone will save hours on creating materials and presentations. For schools not committed to either Google or Microsoft, MagicSchool AI or ChatGPT offer better standalone experiences.