Copilot Code common questions (Frontier)

Find answers to common questions about the Code tab in Microsoft Copilot.

What is Copilot Code?

Copilot Code is a tab in Microsoft Copilot that turns what you describe into working software. You explain the outcome you want—a dashboard, an internal tool, a website, a data transform, or a script—and Copilot Code builds it, shows a live preview, and iterates with you. You don't need to know how to code.

What can I build with Copilot Code?

You can build apps, dashboards, internal tools, static websites, data transforms, automations, and scripts. You describe what you want in your own words, and Copilot Code builds it. Technical users can also work on existing code projects.

For more about what Copilot Code can do, see the Copilot Code overview.

How is Copilot Code different from Cowork?

Cowork carries out everyday tasks across your Microsoft 365 environment, such as sending emails, scheduling meetings, and creating documents. Copilot Code focuses on building software—writing, previewing, and iterating on projects. Both are separate tabs in Microsoft Copilot.

Do my Copilot Code conversations show up in Chat or Cowork?

No. Copilot Code conversations stay in the Code tab. You access them from within the Code tab, not from the Chat or Cowork tabs.

Can I run projects on my device or only in the cloud?

Copilot Code can run a project locally on your device. For a comparison, see Build locally or in the cloud.

Can I preview what Copilot Code builds while it's being built?

Yes. The canvas next to your conversation shows a live preview of a static website or web app as Copilot Code builds it. You can also switch to the code view to see and edit the generated files. Preview support depends on the type of artifact and your device—some artifacts can't be previewed on every platform.

Can I see and edit the code?

Yes. Switch the canvas to the code view to see the raw files Copilot Code wrote, and edit them directly.

How do I undo a change?

Ask Code to revert to an earlier version of your project. Because building is a conversation, you can also describe a correction and Code updates the result.

Can Code use my Microsoft 365 data?

Yes. If enabled by your system administrator, Copilot Code can use your work context—documents, emails, meetings, and calendar—as context for what it builds. You can ask for it in plain language or attach work context from the composer. This capability uses your organization (work) account.

Which tools and plugins can Copilot Code use?

Copilot Code uses the same plugins available in Cowork to connect external data sources and services, plus built-in tools such as web search and image generation, subject to your organization's policies. For how plugins work, see Use plugins with Cowork.

Which models can I use?

You can choose from several models, or let Copilot Code pick one for you. For the list, see Choose a model.

Do I need a GitHub account?

No. GitHub is optional. You can build, preview, save, and share projects without it. Connect a GitHub account when you want to work with existing repositories, ask about your code, open pull requests, or track your work. For details, see Work with GitHub in Copilot Code.

Can I share what I build?

You can share a static app as a link that's scoped to your organization (cloud only).

Can I build interactive apps and share them with my team?

Yes. Copilot Code can build lightweight, interactive apps—such as trackers, kanban boards, forms, and dashboards—that people click, type into, and update over time. You describe the app, Copilot Code builds it with a live preview, and you can publish it and share it with people in your organization, choosing whether they can use it or also edit it. For the steps, see Build and publish apps to Copilot Managed Runtime.

How do I go back to a project later?

Your projects are saved automatically—on your device for local projects, or in the cloud for cloud projects. Find a project under Recents, or use Search, and select it to continue where you left off. The conversation stays tied to the project.

Can I delete something Copilot Code made?

Yes. Ask Copilot Code to delete an artifact it created.

What does Copilot Code ask my permission for?

Copilot Code asks for your approval before it takes actions that reach beyond the project folder you selected, such as accessing other locations, making network connections, or running commands. Consent prompts describe what's happening in plain language.

What happens if Copilot Code tries to do something that isn't allowed?

Copilot Code tells you which rule blocked the action—for example, a folder outside the allowed paths or a host that isn't approved—and how to fix it. It won't quietly retry the action without protection. If the protected environment can't be set up on your device, Copilot Code runs your project in the cloud instead.

Can I use Code with a personal Microsoft account?

Code supports both work (organization) accounts and personal Microsoft accounts on supported plans. Some capabilities, such as using your Microsoft 365 work context, apply to work accounts. For details, see Copilot Code requirements.

Where can I use Copilot Code?

Copilot Code runs in the Microsoft Copilot desktop app for Windows and Mac, and on the web for cloud development. It's available in English at this release. For supported platforms and requirements, see Copilot Code requirements.

Is Copilot Code available to me?

Copilot Code is rolling out and might not be available in your environment yet. Availability depends on your license or plan and on whether your organization has enabled the Code tab. For details, see Copilot Code requirements.

Related content

• Copilot Code overview
• Get started with Copilot Code
• Use Copilot Code
• Work with GitHub in Copilot Code
• Copilot Code requirements