Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (free version)

Copilot Chat is a powerful tool designed to assist users with various tasks, from generating content to providing insightful information. Users can access a free version with some limitations. Here is how you can access the free version and what you need to know about its limitations.

Accessing the Free Version

1. Access Copilot Chat in your selected browser.

Using Edge:

• Ensure that you have the latest version of Edge with the following link - Update Edge - Microsoft Support. 
• Click on the Copilot icon located at the top right of the browser window. 

Using browsers other than Edge: 

• Go to https://m365.cloud.microsoft/chat.

2. Sign into your Northwestern Microsoft Account with your NetID and password.

Limitations of the Free Version

While the free version of Microsoft 365 Copilot offers a range of features, there are some limitations compared to the premium version:
1. No Access to Work-Grounded Data

• Responses are web-grounded only, meaning they rely on public web data and not your organization's internal content (emails, files, meetings, chats, etc.).
• You cannot invoke or reference work content unless you manually upload it or use an agent with access. Prior to uploading any data ensure that you are signed in under the Northwestern data protected Copilot environment. Confirmation that you are logged into the Northwestern data protected Copilot environment would be the display of a green outlined shield.  

• The green shield means that the chat and data shared within Copilot is secured and managed according to Northwestern's data protection policies. In other words, it means that the data is not exposed to external entities and remains within the safe confines of Northwestern's Microsoft 365 tenant. 

2. Limited Image Generation

• As of May 2025, users without a Copilot license face a daily limit on image generation.
• The exact number of images allowed per day is not publicly disclosed. However, some users report being limited to just one image per day, with no ability to tweak or regenerate.

3. File Upload Restrictions 

• You can upload files (Word, Excel, PDFs, etc.) for Copilot to analyze, but the file size is capped at 512MB.
• Upload limits may be adjusted during peak usage to maintain performance.

4. No Integration with Microsoft 365 Apps

• You will not see Copilot features embedded in apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, or PowerPoint.
• These integrations above are reserved for users with the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. Please contact your local school or unit IT leader for more information on add-on licenses. There is a cost associated with add-on licenses. 

5. Limited Access to Agents  and Pages

• Agents are digital assistants or automated tools within the platform that help you perform tasks, answer questions, or manage information. Basic agents handle everyday needs, while advanced agents offer enhanced capabilities and features to support more complex work.
• While you can use basic agents, advanced agents and features like Copilot Pages (collaborative canvases) may require additional licenses like SharePoint or paid agent access.

6. No Work/Web Toggle

• Licensed users can toggle between “Work” and “Web” contexts in Copilot Chat.
• Free version users only see the Web tab, which limits personalization and relevance.