Microsoft Copilot for Windows Gets a Powerful Makeover

Microsoft is rolling out a substantial update to Copilot for Windows that transforms the AI assistant from a web-based experience into a fully native Windows application. This change represents a significant evolution in how Copilot integrates with the Windows operating system, offering deeper contextual awareness and new ways to interact with your PC.

As Windows Insiders begin receiving this update via the Microsoft Store, let’s dive into the exciting new features that make this version worth the attention.

Native Experience with an Intuitive Design

The most noticeable change is Copilot’s transition from a Progressive Web App (PWA) to a native XAML application. This architectural shift brings with it a completely redesigned user interface featuring a new side panel that makes conversation management much more intuitive.

The side panel allows users to:

• Start new conversations with a single click
• Browse through their conversation history
• Toggle the panel open and closed as needed

This design change feels less like accessing a web service and more like interacting with an integrated part of your operating system.

Your PC, Your Context

Perhaps the most powerful advancement is Copilot’s new ability to understand device-specific context. Now you can ask questions about your particular PC and receive tailored assistance.

For example, asking “How do I set up a Bluetooth headset on this device?” will generate instructions specific to your version of Windows and hardware configuration. This contextual awareness eliminates the frustration of generic advice that doesn’t apply to your situation.

Vision: Copilot Can Now See What You See

One of the most exciting additions is Copilot Vision. This feature allows you to share any browser or application window with Copilot, enabling the AI to analyze what you’re viewing and provide relevant insights.

Want help understanding a complex chart? Struggling with a software interface? Now you can simply click the glasses icon in the composer, select which window to share, and ask Copilot for assistance. The AI will not only see what you’re looking at but can also coach you through tasks using audio guidance.

Note: Copilot Vision is initially available only to Insiders in the United States, with wider availability expected in future updates.

File Search: Your Personal AI File Assistant

Another groundbreaking feature is Copilot’s new file search capability. You can now interact with your local files using natural language, allowing you to:

• Find and open specific files with conversational requests like “Can you find my resume?”
• Ask questions about file contents such as “Look at my budget file and tell me how much I spent on dining last month”
• Get help with documents you were working on recently without remembering exact file names

Copilot supports most common file formats including .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json, making it a versatile assistant for your document needs.

Faster Access Than Ever

Microsoft has made accessing Copilot quicker and more convenient:

• Press Alt + Space on any Windows PC to instantly bring up the new Quick View mode
• Use the dedicated Copilot key on Copilot+ PCs to launch the full application
• Find Copilot in the system tray for easy access

The Quick View feature is particularly useful, as it can be resized and positioned anywhere on your screen to fit your workflow.

Privacy Considerations

With these new capabilities come important privacy controls. Users maintain control over what Copilot can access through Settings, and all data is deleted after every Copilot Vision session. File access permissions can be configured to your comfort level, ensuring you remain in control of your information.

Availability and Known Issues

The update (versions 1.25023.101.0 and 1.25034.133.0) is rolling out gradually across all Windows Insider channels. Not all Insiders will receive the update immediately as this is a phased deployment approach.

While the new experience brings many improvements, there are a few known issues to be aware of:

• Some users report problems with non-English names displaying incorrectly
• The new app doesn’t currently support logging in with business accounts, unlike the web version

These issues will likely be addressed in upcoming updates as Microsoft refines the experience based on Insider feedback.

What This Means for the Future of Windows

This update represents more than just new features—it signals Microsoft’s vision for AI’s role in the Windows ecosystem. By making Copilot native to Windows, Microsoft is positioning AI assistance as a fundamental part of the operating system rather than an optional add-on.

The contextual awareness, vision capabilities, and file integration suggest a future where your PC doesn’t just respond to commands but actively understands what you’re trying to accomplish and offers meaningful assistance.

As these features move from Insider testing to general availability, we’re witnessing the early stages of what could be the most significant transformation in how we interact with our computers since the introduction of the graphical user interface.

What do you think about these new Copilot features? Are you excited about the direction Microsoft is taking with AI integration in Windows? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Footnotes

[1] Windows Insider Blog: Update for Copilot on Windows Begins Rolling Out

[2] Windows Insider Blog: Copilot on Windows: Vision and File Search Begin Rolling Out