Why do you Copilot in Word,Excel and PowerPoint

Basic Microsoft Copilot web chat is free at copilot.cloud.microsoft, but advanced in-app Copilot features in the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint desktop applications may require a paid subscription, such as Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, or an eligible Copilot license.

You can use free web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint by signing in to Office.com with a free Microsoft account. These versions provide basic document editing and productivity features through a browser.

Microsoft does not generally provide free commercial Copilot licenses for desktop Office applications. Free access to advanced Copilot features may be available through specific educational or promotional offers, depending on eligibility.

Free alternatives to Microsoft 365 Copilot and Office include:

• SoftMaker FreeOffice - a free desktop alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring TextMaker, PlanMaker, and Presentations. Its interface closely resembles the traditional Microsoft Office ribbon layout.
• LibreOffice - a free, open-source desktop office suite that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports offline document creation and editing without requiring an internet connection.
• ONLYOFFICE - another free alternative known for its compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx. It offers desktop applications and cloud-based options, along with support for AI integrations through plugins.
• Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides - a free, cloud-based office suite. They support online document creation, file sharing, and real-time collaboration. Some AI features, including Google Gemini integrations, depend on the account type, subscription, and current availability.

LibreOffice is primarily a desktop application designed for offline use. It offers decent compatibility with Microsoft Office files, although complex formatting may change when documents are opened or saved. It does not include a native AI assistant by default, but third-party integrations are available. It is best suited to users who want a comprehensive offline office suite.

Google Docs is primarily cloud-based and supports collaboration through a web browser. It can work offline if the appropriate settings are enabled beforehand. Microsoft Office files can be edited in Google Drive, although conversion or changes in formatting may occur. Google Workspace offers Gemini integrations, but AI availability depends on the account and plan. Google Docs is particularly suitable for students and users who need straightforward collaboration.

ONLYOFFICE offers both desktop and cloud-based options. Its desktop editors support offline work, and it is designed to maintain compatibility with Microsoft Office formats. It also supports AI integrations through plugins, including connections to compatible AI services. It is suitable for users who want a Microsoft Office-like editing experience with local and cloud-based options.

To summarize:

• The free alternative most similar to Microsoft Office in terms of its traditional ribbon interface is SoftMaker FreeOffice. It provides familiar desktop applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• For offline use, LibreOffice and SoftMaker FreeOffice are suitable options. ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors also support offline editing. Google Docs requires prior configuration of its offline functionality and has more limited offline capabilities.
• For Microsoft Office file compatibility, ONLYOFFICE and SoftMaker FreeOffice are worth considering. However, compatibility can vary depending on the document's complexity, formatting, macros, and advanced features.
• For free alternatives with AI capabilities, Google Docs offers access to selected Gemini features depending on the account and current plan, while ONLYOFFICE supports AI integrations through compatible plugins. LibreOffice does not include a native AI assistant by default.
• For students, Google Docs is a strong option because of its collaboration features, link sharing, and cloud-based workflow. The available storage and AI features depend on the account and any applicable educational plan.
• All four alternatives (LibreOffice, Google Docs, SoftMaker FreeOffice, and ONLYOFFICE) can open and edit Microsoft Office file formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx, although formatting and feature compatibility may vary.

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin