1.2 – Getting Started and Signing Up Lesson

Lesson Overview

Getting started with Copilot Pro begins with the right Microsoft 365 subscription. This lesson covers how to sign up for Copilot Pro using a personal or family Microsoft 365 account—business accounts and Copilot for Business are excluded from this course. You'll learn how to check your existing 365 subscription, select an appropriate plan, and proceed to add Copilot Pro as an additional monthly service. The subscription process includes verifying the correct Microsoft account and updating payment details as needed.

These steps ensure you have access to advanced features powered by GPT-4 and DALL·E 3 image creation, along with integrated Copilot functions across Microsoft 365 apps. The lesson is particularly useful for anyone new to Microsoft’s subscription services or those shifting from a free or business account to Copilot Pro. Understanding the steps covered here helps you avoid common hurdles like using the wrong account or missing out on app updates.

Practical examples include a household setting up Copilot Pro under a family plan, or an individual seeking advanced AI assistance within their Office apps. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have Copilot Pro ready for use and your software up-to-date, laying the foundation for productive work with your new AI assistant.

Who This Is For

If you want a straightforward way to set up Copilot Pro for personal or family use, this lesson is designed for you. It’s also helpful if you’re:

• Individuals looking to boost productivity in Microsoft 365 apps
• Families sharing Microsoft subscriptions and wanting AI features for each member
• New Microsoft 365 subscribers who have not installed the apps before
• Users who previously only used web versions of Office and now need the desktop apps and Copilot Pro
• Anyone verifying they have the right subscription before starting to use Copilot Pro

Where This Fits in a Workflow

Starting with the correct subscription and installation is essential before accessing any of Copilot Pro’s features. Whether you’re preparing to use AI tools in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or just want to ensure every family member has access, this setup step comes first. For example, before you can generate text with AI in your documents or create original images inside PowerPoint, you need both Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro set up under the correct accounts. This lesson ensures those technical foundations are solid, so workflow interruptions are minimized and every user is fully equipped to explore automation and creative tools in later lessons.

Technical & Workflow Benefits

Setting up Microsoft 365 Copilot Pro through correct account management and installation streamlines access to AI-powered features across Office apps. Previously, users might have had to navigate multiple subscriptions, install apps piecemeal, or run into issues with incompatible accounts. By following these initial steps, you save time by ensuring both your subscription and software are ready to go from the outset. For anyone sharing a family account, this clarity comes in handy when making sure each member has the correct access—reducing confusion and accidental purchases. The approach described in this lesson means you’ll avoid delays, subscription mismatches, or missing features within your daily work, making it easier to stay productive and up to date with Microsoft’s latest tools.

Practice Exercise

Imagine you want to get Copilot Pro working on your laptop for personal use.

1. Go to Microsoft.com and identify if you already have a personal or family Microsoft 365 account.
2. If not, choose a plan and sign up—take note of the email/account you use.
3. Try to subscribe to Copilot Pro and check if the subscription shows up in your Microsoft account dashboard.

Question: Did you select the Microsoft account you intended to use for Copilot Pro? If not, what steps can help make sure the subscription and account line up correctly next time?

Course Context Recap

This lesson moves you from account setup to being subscription-ready for Copilot Pro. The previous introduction provided background on what Copilot Pro is and where it fits into Microsoft 365. Next, the course will focus on using Copilot Pro features within the Microsoft apps themselves. Continue through the course to unlock practical AI-powered workflows and deeper insights into what Copilot Pro can do for your productivity.