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How to use Microsoft's Copilot AI on Linux
Microsoft Copilot is one of the easier AI tools to use on Microsoft Windows. You can access it from the desktop or the web browser.
If your operating system of choice is MacOS, there are a few options within the App Store (such as Nextbot). However, if you use Linux, you’ll find that Microsoft has yet to release an official Copilot app that can be installed on your distribution of choice.
Also: 5 biggest Linux and open-source stories of 2024
Never fear, as there are ways to get Copilot on your desktop. Let me show you two such ways.
How to use Copilot AI on Linux
Option one: Use the Copilot extension for Chrome
What you’ll need for this option: The only things you’ll need for this method are a Chromium-based web browser and a valid Microsoft account.
The first thing to do is open your Chromium-based web browser and point it to this unofficial Copilot extension in the Chrome Web Store.
Installing the Copilot extension on Opera.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
On the extension page, click Add to Chrome (or Opera, or whatever Chromium-based browser you use). Allow the extension to install.
You don’t have to pin the extension but it certainly makes it easier to access.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
If your browser allows it, click the Extension icon in the toolbar and, from the drop-down, click the pin icon for the Copilot extension. This will make sure the Copilot extension is easily accessed from the browser toolbar.
When the Copilot window opens, if you haven’t already logged into your Microsoft account, do so now.
You should now have a small window open with Copilot. You can then use the AI service as needed. When you’re finished, close the Copilot window.
Option 2: Use Copilot’s web app
The next option creates a Copilot web app that can be opened from your desktop menu. Again, you’ll need a Chromium-based browser and a valid Microsoft account.
Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learn
Getting ready to install Copilot as an app on Linux.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
After Copilot loads, click the browser menu and then click “Cast, save, and share” > “Install page as app.” Depending on the browser you use, that menu entry may be named something different. I’m demonstrating on Chromium.
You can name the app anything you want.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
On the resulting pop-up, give the app and name and click Install.
I actually prefer the extension version but this option can be accessed without the browser open.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
If you click on your desktop menu, you should now see an entry for Copilot. Click that entry and Copilot will open in a single, minimal window without the usual browser toolbars and other features, so it looks like a native app on your desktop.
Also: The 3 most Windows-like Linux distros you can try because change is hard
And that’s all there is to getting Microsoft Copilot on Linux.
