Referencing AI / Microsoft Copilot
How to cite Microsoft Copilot
Treat Microsoft Copilot as software: Microsoft is the author, "Microsoft Copilot" is the title, and the link is https://copilot.microsoft.com. Add the version if you can see it in the tool (for example 10 February version). Examples below use 9 October 2026; swap in the date you used it.
APA 7
Goes in your reference list. In the text, cite it as (Developer, Year).
Microsoft. (2026). Microsoft Copilot (10 February version) [Large language model]. https://copilot.microsoft.com
In text: (Microsoft, 2026)
MLA 9
Goes in your Works Cited list. MLA puts your prompt at the start of the entry.
“Explain the main causes of urban heat islands” prompt. Microsoft Copilot, 10 February version version, Microsoft, 9 Oct. 2026, copilot.microsoft.com.
In text: (“Explain the main causes…”)
Chicago (notes)
Chicago suggests a footnote rather than a bibliography entry.
1. Microsoft Copilot, response to “Explain the main causes of urban heat islands,” Microsoft, October 9, 2026, https://copilot.microsoft.com.
AGLC4
A footnote, then list it under 'Other' in your bibliography.
Output from Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft to Alex Chen, 9 October 2026.
The acknowledgement
A reference covers what you quoted. Many universities also want a short statement saying how you used Microsoft Copilot. For example:
I used Microsoft Copilot (10 February version, Microsoft, https://copilot.microsoft.com) on 9 October 2026 to explain concepts I found hard to follow. My prompts included “Explain the main causes of urban heat islands”. I rewrote anything I used in my own words. I checked the facts it gave me against the original sources. A full record of my prompts and the outputs is available on request.
Your university may want its own wording. Make yours in the generator or find your university.