The friction of online shopping—navigating through dozens of tabs, comparing prices, and filling out endless checkout forms—is about to disappear. Microsoft has officially launched Copilot Checkout, a revolutionary feature that allows users to complete purchases directly within the Copilot conversation window.
By partnering with global payment leaders like PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify, Microsoft is positioning Copilot as a primary “shopping companion” that handles everything from product discovery to the final transaction.
How Copilot Checkout Works
The “Buy” button appears alongside product recommendations when you ask Copilot for shopping help. Here is the typical user journey:
- Natural Discovery: You ask, “Find me a mid-century modern bedside lamp under $100.”
- Product Cards: Copilot presents 5–6 curated options with photos, prices, and ratings.
- The “Buy” Button: Next to the “View Details” option, a new “Buy” button appears.
- In-Chat Transaction: Clicking “Buy” opens a secure, in-chat checkout flow. Your shipping and payment info (powered by PayPal or Stripe) is confirmed, and the order is placed without you ever visiting the retailer’s website.
Launch Partners and Availability
Microsoft is rolling out this feature starting in the U.S. on Copilot.com, with plans to expand to the Copilot app, Bing, and Edge in the coming weeks.
- Key Retailers: Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Ashley Furniture, and select sellers on Etsy.
- Automatic Enrollment: In a bold move, Microsoft announced that Shopify merchants will be automatically enrolled in Copilot Checkout (following a brief opt-out window), instantly giving millions of small businesses access to AI-driven sales.
- Merchant of Record: Importantly, the retailers remain the “merchant of record,” meaning they still handle fulfillment and own the customer relationship, while Microsoft simply provides the seamless interface.
Why This Matters: The Rise of “Agentic Commerce”
This update represents a shift from “Generative AI” (which just makes text) to “Agentic AI” (which takes action). While OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini have introduced similar shopping features, Microsoft’s deep integration with enterprise infrastructure gives it a unique edge.
“Copilot Checkout turns conversations into conversions instantly. No redirect, no friction.” — Microsoft Advertising
Copilot Shopping Feature Summary
| Feature | Description |
| Direct Checkout | Complete a purchase via the “Buy” button inside the chat. |
| Brand Agents | AI assistants that speak in a specific brand’s voice to guide buyers. |
| Price Tracking | Copilot can alert you to price drops on items you’ve searched for. |
| Payment Partners | Secure transactions via PayPal, Shopify, and Stripe. |
