Want to use Microsoft AI tools? Check out these deals to stay productive without a Copilot+ PC

Recent AI news has brought Microsoft's Copilot to a new level. Microsoft's new laptops—the Copilot+ PCs—have built-in AI computation and features for running various tasks, online or off.

If you're wondering what Microsoft AI is all about but don't want to buy a brand-new laptop, there are plenty of ways to dip a toe in the Copilot water. 

Access Microsoft AI Without Copilot+ PCs

Dive into a whole new world with Copilot on your own PC. All you need to do is give your operating system a little makeover. Upgrade it, and voilà — you're ready to explore the future of computing, right from your cozy corner.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - $24.97; originally $199

Windows 11 Pro is Microsoft's latest operating system. A lifetime license deal like this one offers ongoing updates, including the semi-recent addition of the AI chatbot, Copilot. You can use this feature to ask questions, generate writing, and adjust your settings to your liking. 

Windows 11 Pro is also respected for its advanced security, well-designed interface, and productivity support features. If you would prefer Windows 10 to stay compatible with an older project or for any other reason, you can get it for the same cost. 

Keeping It Classic With Microsoft Software Solutions

Whether or not you've figured out how to learn AI best practices with Windows 11 Pro and Copilot, you still might not be interested in having it fully integrated with your computer. 

If you have privacy concerns over the new Recall feature, remember that you can simply turn it off.

Despite all of the recent AI news (including the Recall backlash), you can lean on classic Microsoft software solutions to help with coding, project management, and content production — the same things people are using AI for. 

What is Microsoft AI's programming value?

Copilot is inherently a great tool for developers. You can use it to learn what a specific block of code means, to request optimization options, and ultimately code faster.

Copilot isn't Microsoft's first tool that can help developers code. One of its most beloved programs' IntelliCode feature looks at the context of a line or block of code that's being written and offers suggestions with next-best options to help you complete it faster. 

Use AI for project management 

Activating a feature like Recall can be massively advantageous for project managers when they need to check back on a meeting, document, or initial plan. The new Copilot+ PCs are the fastest and most secure Windows PCs ever built (according to Microsoft, anyway), offering professionals a safe platform to host their projects. 

On the planning side, leaders can still streamline project management operations with classic Microsoft tools like Microsoft Project designed to stay relevant with intuitive templates, timesheet submission features, and helpful what-if scenario generation.

For generating precise visuals that need to guide a project, you are still likely better off using Microsoft's most trusted diagramming program. When it comes to creating flowcharts and diagrams meant for coordinating large-scale projects, this classic compares with AI. 

Office work support potential from AI

One of the most popular uses of Copilot and AI tools like ChatGPT is writing. For those who still benefit from crafting an email or essay themselves, there's a wide variety of affordable and proven office software suites out there, the most notable of which comes from Microsoft itself. 

You can save on an older version of one of these suites, and use it to store content you write yourself or with Copilot. 

While generating content with AI can be powerful, feeding it into programs designed to produce essays, spreadsheets, and decks will help you funnel everything you make with Copilot into a workable, shareable form. 

New AI You Can Use With Old, Reliable Software

You might be questioning whether you have to devote yourself to using AI or not. Don't worry: You don't have to engage with every element of it! You can turn off things like Recall if it's not for you, or use older programs as often as you want. 

Just because you love Microsoft Office doesn't mean you have to give it up to use AI features. You can keep using your favorite tools while experimenting with Copilot to help boost your productivity. Blending traditional methods with cutting-edge tech is the perfect way to stay ahead!

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