If you’re a Windows 11 user, you may have noticed a new addition to your taskbar – the colorful Copilot button. This development is part of a significant Windows 11 Update released in September 2023, which made the virtual assistant, Copilot, available to all users. Previously, it was exclusively accessible to early adopters in the Windows Insider Program who had beta-tested Copilot in Windows 11. However, it’s essential to note that Microsoft still labels Copilot as a preview, indicating that this tool is a work in progress and will likely undergo changes and improvements based on user feedback.
Microsoft refers to Copilot as “AI,” but it is essentially an evolution of the company’s Bing with ChatGPT technology. This implies that Windows 11’s Copilot chatbot will evolve continually, becoming more capable and versatile. In this brief guide, we will explore how to access Copilot on Windows 11 and some of its key functionalities. Remember that Copilot may receive updates and new features beyond what is covered here.
Getting started with Copilot
Copilot was rolled out to all Windows 11 users as part of the Windows 11 22H2 “Moment 4” update in September 2023. If you don’t see the Copilot button on your Windows 11 taskbar, follow these simple steps to ensure you’ve downloaded the latest Windows Update to get it:
1. Open Windows update settings
Click the Start button and type “Windows Update” in the search bar. Then, select “Windows Update settings” from the search results.
2. Enable “get the latest updates” and click “Check for updates”
In the Windows Update settings, locate and click the “Check for updates” button. It will scan for available updates for your PC. Make sure to enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option if it’s not already activated. This step is crucial for downloading Windows 11 Copilot and other cutting-edge Windows updates.
Disabling Copilot (if needed)
If you find yourself wanting to hide or disable the Copilot button, follow these steps:
1. Open taskbar settings and disable the Copilot button
Once Copilot is enabled, it can be challenging to remove it completely. However, you can hide the Copilot icon from your taskbar to keep it out of sight. To do this, right-click your Windows 11 taskbar, select “Taskbar settings,” and then toggle the Copilot button on or off as desired.
Using Copilot: Your AI assistant
Once Copilot is up and running on your Windows 11 PC, you’ll notice a small Copilot icon to the right of the Search bar on your taskbar. You can either click the Copilot icon or use the hotkey (Windows key + C) to open and close Copilot. When activated, it appears as a chat window that pops out from the right side of your screen.
What copilot can do for you?
Copilot is designed to assist you with various tasks and simplify your Windows 11 experience. Here are some of its key capabilities:
1. Enable dark mode
Copilot can help you switch system features on or off, saving you time when unsure how to perform specific actions in Windows. For instance, you can request Copilot to enable dark mode by simply typing “turn on dark mode.” Copilot will then ask for permission and execute your request.
2. Open Menus
If you’re unsure how to access a particular set of settings menus, Copilot can assist you in opening them. Just type “open settings,” and Copilot will offer to open the Windows 11 Settings menu for you.
3. Launch Apps
Locating or launching apps becomes effortless with Copilot. You can ask Copilot to open an app by typing “open [app name],” substituting the app’s name. In some cases, Copilot can recognize natural language, eliminating the need to know the exact app name. For instance, typing “take a screenshot” will prompt Copilot to ask if you want to launch the Snipping Tool, while “open Word” will inquire if you want to start Microsoft Word.
4. Summarize Web pages
In Copilot’s settings menu (accessible by clicking the three-dot options menu in the top-right corner of Copilot and selecting Settings), there’s an option labeled “Let Copilot in Windows use Microsoft Edge content.” When enabled, Copilot can answer questions about the website you’re currently reading in Microsoft Edge. This feature allows you to ask Copilot to summarize a website or inquire about the word count on a specific page.
Windows 11’s Copilot is your AI companion for everyday tasks. With its ability to perform various actions, from enabling dark mode to launching apps and summarizing web pages, Copilot is a valuable addition to the Windows 11 experience. As Microsoft continues to refine and enhance Copilot, users can expect even more capabilities and improvements in the future. Take some time to explore and utilize Copilot to streamline your daily Windows tasks – you may be pleasantly surprised by its usefulness and convenience.
