bibliottHow to Cite Microsoft Copilot in MLA 9th edition
Official Modern Language Association guidance for generative AI, applied to Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft). Format, in-text citation, and a copy-ready example.
About Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) is Microsoft's AI assistant, available in both consumer (copilot.microsoft.com) and enterprise (Microsoft 365 Copilot) flavors. Citation follows the same author-as-AI / publisher-as-Microsoft pattern.
MLA format for Microsoft Copilot
"Prompt." Copilot, Variant, Microsoft, Day Month Year, URL.
"Outline a 5-paragraph essay on renewable energy" prompt. Copilot, Pro, Microsoft, 7 May 2024, copilot.microsoft.com.
Handling the prompt
Prompt as title.
Information to capture before citing
Microsoft is the publisher; Copilot is the work title.
Specify the variant (Copilot, Copilot Pro, GitHub Copilot, etc.) when relevant.
For GitHub Copilot suggestions in code, most journals now require the prompt and accepted suggestion in a supplementary file.
Include the date of the response.
Recoverability of Microsoft Copilot responses
Copilot responses are not retrievable by URL. Use the Share button to save a permalink when available.
Cite Microsoft Copilot in another style
Citing Microsoft Copilot — FAQ
Yes. Modern Language Association (9th edition) has explicit guidance for AI-generated content. Treat Microsoft as the publisher and Microsoft Copilot as the work. Always check whether your instructor or journal accepts AI-generated material as a source — many require disclosure.
Copilot responses are not retrievable by URL. Use the Share button to save a permalink when available.
Prompt as title.
Cite the version you used. Microsoft Copilot typically displays the model name (Copilot, Copilot Pro) in the interface. If the version isn't shown, cite the date of your conversation — that's enough for most styles.
Not when properly disclosed and cited. Most universities now allow AI assistance with attribution; a few require explicit instructor permission. Always check your course or institutional policy before submitting AI-assisted work.