Microsoft has quietly turned its everyday software into some of the most capable AI tools on the planet. If you use Windows, Office or a Microsoft account, you already have access to a growing set of AI features — and in 2026 they became genuinely useful for real work, not just demos. Here is a clear, current tour of the Microsoft AI tools that matter, and what you need to make the most of them.<\/p>\n
The centre of Microsoft’s AI strategy is Copilot<\/strong> — an assistant woven into Windows and the Office apps. Rather than a separate program you visit, it sits inside the tools you already use and works with the context on your screen. In 2026 Microsoft also opened Copilot up to multiple AI models<\/strong>, adding Anthropic’s Claude (including Claude Opus 4.7 in Copilot Chat) alongside OpenAI’s models — so you can pick the engine that suits the task.<\/p>\n Draft, rewrite and summarise documents from a short prompt — you stay the editor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Build formulas, clean data and spot trends by describing what you want in plain English.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Summarise long threads and draft replies in your tone to clear the inbox faster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Turn a document or outline into a structured slide deck in seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Windows 11 has become the home for Microsoft’s on-device AI. Copilot is available from the desktop, and modern “Copilot+” PCs add on-device features such as live captions with translation, AI image tools and smarter search. Even on a standard Windows 11 machine, you get Copilot assistance, Windows Studio Effects for video calls where supported, and a steady stream of AI features arriving through updates — part of why Windows 11, not a mythical “Windows 12,” is the platform to be on.<\/p>\n Microsoft’s openness to other AI models means you are not limited to one assistant. Anthropic’s Claude for Excel<\/strong> add-in — installed from the Microsoft Marketplace — can analyse, edit and comment on spreadsheets directly in Excel, and Claude models are selectable inside Microsoft 365 Copilot. The result is a genuine choice of AI “brains” for your Office work, all running on the same familiar apps.<\/p>\n Put the foundation in place.<\/strong><\/p>\n Microsoft’s AI tools need genuine Windows and Office to run on. TheUnitySoft supplies permanently valid licences since 2014 — delivered by email straight after payment, with a lifetime guarantee.<\/p>\n Microsoft Office licences →<\/strong><\/a> Windows licences →<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant built into Windows and the Office apps. It can draft and summarise documents, build spreadsheet formulas, write email replies and create slides, working with the context of whatever you are doing. In 2026 it can run on multiple AI models, including Anthropic’s Claude as well as OpenAI.<\/p>\n There is a free tier of Copilot for general chat and light assistance. The deeper integration inside the Office apps — Microsoft 365 Copilot — is a paid add-on to a Microsoft 365 plan, licensed per user. Either way, you need genuine, working Windows and Office for it to plug into.<\/p>\n Yes. Anthropic’s Claude models are available inside Microsoft 365 Copilot, and the separate Claude for Excel add-in (from the Microsoft Marketplace) works directly in Excel. Both run on top of your existing Office installation.<\/p>\n No. Copilot works on standard Windows 11 PCs. Newer “Copilot+” PCs add extra on-device AI features, but you do not need one to use the core Copilot tools in Windows and Office.<\/p>\n A genuine, up-to-date Windows 11 and a current version of Office (a perpetual Office 2024 licence or Microsoft 365). These are the foundation the AI features run on — unlicensed or outdated software is where they break.<\/p>\nCopilot in Word<\/h3>\n
Copilot in Excel<\/h3>\n
Copilot in Outlook<\/h3>\n
Copilot in PowerPoint<\/h3>\n
AI built into Windows 11<\/h2>\n
Beyond Microsoft: Claude in Office<\/h2>\n
Getting the most from Microsoft AI<\/h2>\n
\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
What is Microsoft Copilot?<\/h3>\n
Is Microsoft Copilot free?<\/h3>\n
Can I use Claude with Microsoft Office?<\/h3>\n
Do I need a special PC to use Microsoft AI?<\/h3>\n
Which Microsoft software do I need for AI features?<\/h3>\n