Microsoft Rolls Out Preview of Windows 11’s AI-Powered Copilot
Microsoft has released the first Windows 11 preview build featuring its new AI assistant, Copilot, available to try out in the latest Windows 11 Dev Channel build. The innovative assistant is powered by Microsoft Edge and Bing Chat and can be accessed directly from the Taskbar, docking to one side of the screen as a user-friendly UI.
The Windows Copilot, unveiled by Microsoft last month, is now available to preview and is set to roll out to all users as part of Microsoft’s Fall 2023 feature update for Windows 11. The AI assistant can perform a wide range of tasks, much like Bing Chat, with some additional experiences specifically tailored for Windows. Among the commands users can give are changing to dark mode, turning on do not disturb mode, taking a screenshot, summarizing a website, and even creative tasks like writing a story or creating a picture.
However, not all features are available in this initial preview. Microsoft has noted that the first Windows Copilot preview lacks a few features that were introduced last month, such as third-party support. The rollout is also happening in waves, which means not all users in the Insider Dev Channel will have access to the Windows Copilot right away.
For the Copilot feature to work, Microsoft Edge must be updated to version 115 or higher, as Windows Copilot uses WebView2 to display the chat window inside the Windows Copilot sidebar. This new build, including the Copilot, also comes with other features, indicating that Microsoft is keen on continuously expanding and improving its operating system.
While this is a major step forward, Microsoft’s new AI assistant is still in the early stages. It will be exciting to see how this feature evolves and how it will shape the future of Windows.
