How to Find and Open Files with Copilot on Windows 11

Copilot on Windows can help you find and open files on your device, including locally synced OneDrive files. It can also answer questions about supported file contents when the relevant permission is enabled. File searching and file reading are separate controls.

Use the installed Windows app for this tutorial. The feature was introduced through a gradual rollout, so a particular app version alone does not guarantee that every account has the same options. Microsoft's Copilot on Windows guide describes the current file-search controls.

1. Open Copilot's settings

Open Copilot from Start and sign in if the app requires it. Select your profile or account control, then choose Settings. For other ways to open the app, see how to access Microsoft Copilot.

2. Choose the file permissions you need

Find File Search and File Read. Earlier versions group them under Permission settings, as shown below.

• File Search: permits the file-search feature to locate files.
• File Read: permits content-based questions about supported files. Enable it only when you want that additional access.

Read any permission message shown by the app before enabling access. On a work device, follow your organization's rules for confidential documents. You can return to these controls and turn them off when you no longer need the feature.

3. Search with a specific description

Return to the conversation and describe the file. Include a likely filename, file type, topic, or date when you know it. For example:

• “Find my meal prep document.”
• “Find PDF files on my device.”
• “Find files created last week.”

Submit the prompt, inspect the results, and select the correct file to open it in its associated application. Confirm its name and location before assuming it is the document you wanted.

4. Ask about a supported file's contents

After identifying the document, ask a focused question, such as “Summarize the recommendations in this report.” Microsoft lists readable formats including .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json. Verify the answer against the actual file, especially names, figures, and dates.

If the option is missing or a file is not found

Update the Copilot app through Microsoft Store and check settings again. If the controls remain unavailable, use Windows Search or File Explorer instead; see ways to search on Windows 11.

For an unsuccessful query, try the exact filename and check whether the file is present on the device or locally synced. A search result is not a guarantee that Copilot can read that file type, and file-search permissions do not replace normal file access permissions.