Microsoft is rolling out a new “Study & Learn” mode in Copilot just as students head back to school, positioning the assistant as a credible alternative to ChatGPT and Gemini in the academic arena. The new mode, tucked into Copilot’s mode selector, aims to shift the system from offering quick answers to becoming a tutor-style guide: it prompts students to work through problems step-by-step, breaks down complex concepts when they’re stuck, tracks progress across sessions, and even lets users upload notes or PDFs so Copilot can generate practice quizzes in seconds.
This move is significant because it brings Copilot into the same space that other AI tools have already been occupying. ChatGPT has emphasised a guided approach—leading learners through worked steps rather than just providing answers—and Gemini has built strong support for converting class materials into quizzes, flash cards and guided drills. With its new educational mode, Copilot is finally closing the gap. For students who already use Microsoft 365 or work within the Microsoft ecosystem, this change means they might no longer need to switch platforms to get study-oriented AI help.
The timing is no coincidence: the fall term is starting, and Microsoft appears to be targeting students and educators as a key segment. The inclusion of progress tracking and session history signals that the company sees Copilot as more than a quick tool—it wants it to be part of a sustained learning workflow. By letting users upload their own files, the system tailors experiences around personal materials, meaning it can better align with coursework rather than generic prompts.
Of course, challenges remain. Being a tutor in AI form demands not just speed but reliability, correct scaffolding of knowledge, and safeguards against misuse. Microsoft will need to ensure the mode doesn’t simply give answers in disguise or undermine student learning, and it will have to maintain trust in data privacy and academic integrity. Still, the move signals a broader shift: AI assistants are no longer just answer engines—they’re becoming embedded in workflows that extend beyond search and chat. For Copilot, stepping into study mode means it is now formally contending in the educational AI race.
