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Copilot vs. Copilot for Microsoft 365

01 July, 2025

 

What is Copilot?

Copilot is Microsoft's AI-powered assistant designed to help you work, write, create, and communicate more effectively. It uses natural language to understand prompts, provide helpful responses, and perform tasks ranging from summarizing documents to generating content. Microsoft offers different versions of Copilot depending on your account type and environment.

 

What’s the Difference?

Microsoft now offers two versions of Copilot. While they sound similar, they work in very different ways, especially at KAUST. This guide explains what each version can do, how they differ, and how to access them.

 

Access Update – July 2025

Microsoft recently made a change. You can no longer use your @kaust.edu.sa account to access the free version of Copilot. To use the free version, you now need a personal Microsoft account such as @outlook.com or @hotmail.com.

 

Feature Comparison

Free Copilot

Copilot for Microsoft 365

✔ Available on the web and in Microsoft Edge

✔ Uses GPT-4 to answer general questions

✔ Can help write, summarize, or explain content

✔ Generates ideas, code, and creative content

✘ Does not access your KAUST files, email, or calendar

✘ Not integrated with Microsoft 365 desktop apps

✘ Uses only public internet data

✔ Requires a personal Microsoft account

✔ Works inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams

✔ Uses your own KAUST content (files, emails, meetings, chats)

✔ Helps summarize meetings, generate documents, analyze data

✔ Available only with your @kaust.edu.sa account

✔ Hosted in the secure KAUST Microsoft 365 environment

✘ Not yet available for general use at KAUST

✘ Requires additional licensing costs


 

Copilot for Microsoft 365 at KAUST

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is currently not available for purchase at KAUST. KAUST IT is evaluating its potential and exploring limited pilot programs, but it is not yet available for general use.

If someone would like to be added to the waiting list, they can do so by taking part in Compass research and innovation at KAUST:

Click here to join the Compass Program at KAUST

Once KAUST IT is ready for the roll-out of Copilot for KAUST, the license cost is currently $30 per person per month. This does not include access to Copilot Studio or other advanced features, which will require additional licensing. KAUST IT will share additional details once they are available to departments and members of the Academic and Business Community interested in purchasing Copilot 365 licenses.

 

How to Access the Free Copilot

  1. On the Web: Visit copilot.microsoft.com and sign in with a personal Microsoft account.
  2. In Microsoft Edge: Open the Edge browser and click the Copilot icon. Sign in with a personal Microsoft account.
  3. On Windows 11: Copilot may appear on the taskbar and works fully only when signed in with a personal Microsoft account.
  4. In Microsoft 365 Apps (for Personal Use): Copilot features may appear in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint if you have a personal Microsoft 365 subscription.

 

Responsible Use Reminder

If you choose to use the free Copilot or any external AI platform, please use it responsibly and in accordance with KAUST’s Acceptable Use Policy.

  • Do not submit confidential, academic, business, or personally identifiable information (PII) to public AI tools.
  • Avoid sharing KAUST documents, research data, student records, or internal communications.
  • You are accountable for your use of AI tools, even when using personal accounts or devices.
  • KAUST does not control how external tools store or process your input. Use your best judgment before entering any content.

Read the full KAUST Acceptable Use Policy

 

Need Help?

For questions or support, please contact the KAUST IT Service Desk:

  • Call 910 (on-campus) or 012-808-0910
  • Service hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday (excluding holidays)