How to access Copilot from any computer in the world on Windows 11

Copilot from any region
Copilot from any region (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

On Windows 11, if you don't see the option to open Copilot from the Taskbar, you may have to get around the inconvenience, and in this guide, I'll show you how.

Although Copilot is officially available on Windows 11, Microsoft is slowly rolling it out to devices, and its availability is limited, depending on the region. The reason, in part, is that due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements, Copilot still needs to be compliant for European Union (EU) users. 

However, it seems that the company has already rolled out the feature through its "Windows Update" service and simply restricted access, something that can be gotten around with a simple shortcut or by installing the web version of the chatbot.

In this how-to guide, I'll outline the steps to enable Copilot on any device in any region on Windows 11.

How to forcibly access Copilot through shortcut on Windows 11

To open Copilot on virtually any computer, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click on Desktop from the left pane.
  3. Click on New and choose the Shortcut option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Type the following location path setting and click the Next button: microsoft-edge://?ux=copilot&tcp=1&source=taskbar

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Confirm a name for the shortcut—for example, "Copilot Access."

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, double-click the shortcut to access Copilot.

How to forcibly access Copilot through web app on Windows 11

If Copilot isn't available on your device, you can install the web app version of the chatbot AI, and here's how:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Open Copilot (web).
  3. Click the "Settings and more" (three dots) button in the top-right.
  4. Select the App menu and choose the "Install this site as an app" option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Confirm a name for the app. For example, "Copilot App."
  2. Click the Install button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the "Allow" button (if applicable).
  2. Right-click the app icon in the Taskbar and choose the "Pin to taskbar" option.

After you complete the steps, you can access the Copilot core engine regardless of your location. The only caveat is that you won't be able to change system settings, and functionalities that require access to the system.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: 

Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.