Microsoft Copilot is a generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that is freely available to all UW–Madison students, faculty and staff. When you log in with your NetID, Copilot offers commercial data protection, meaning it won’t use your prompt data to train its models. Never enter sensitive or restricted data into Copilot.
You can access Copilot by logging in with your NetID on the web at copilot.microsoft.com and in Microsoft’s apps for Windows, macOS and mobile devices. You can use it to:
- Generate or reformat text, including code
- Answer questions using web results from Bing search
- Create and edit images (15 boosts per day)
- Access OpenAI’s GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo models during non-peak hours, including free plug-ins and GPTs
- Access NoteBook, which helps you craft, improve and revise prompts without chat dialogue
Copilot grants you access to Microsoft’s standard generative AI license. Your university license does not grant you access to Microsoft’s premium services: Copilot Pro, Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Copilot Studio.
You are responsible for following UW–Madison and Universities of Wisconsin policies when using Copilot and other generative AI services.
Statement on use of generative AI
Generative AI @ UW–Madison: use & policies
Generative AI—Instructional Opportunities and Challenges
Getting started
- Visit copilot.microsoft.com
- Tap the “Sign in” button at the top of the page, then select the “Sign in with a work or school account” option
- Type your UW–Madison email address into the email box on the sign-in page
- Log in with your NetID on the next page
- After you’ve logged in, you’ll see the UW–Madison crest at the top of the page and a green badge above the text prompt area stating “Your personal and company data are protected in this chat”
Requirements
- UW—Madison NetID
Key features
- Commercial data protection for logged in UW–Madison users
- Generate responses using public web information and data
- Access OpenAI’s most powerful language and image generating models
Pricing
Free to all UW–Madison users
Available to
- Faculty
- Staff
- Researchers
- Students
Support
Microsoft Copilot is a new product that comes with unknowns and uncertainties. The Division of Information Technology Help Desk can help you access Copilot but cannot consult on topics like AI prompt engineering, accessing specific AI models, or other specific uses.
Please review Microsoft’s documentation if you run into issues using Copilot.