Beta Testers Get Access to Microsoft’s AI-Enhanced Windows 11 Sidebar
Today, Microsoft is launching the preview version of Windows Copilot. Windows 11 Insiders in the Beta Channel now have the opportunity to install a preview build that introduces the AI-powered sidebar, which was initially announced at Build 2023. In a recent blog post, the company stated that this initial preview primarily emphasizes the integrated UI experience, with more features to be added in future previews.
Windows Copilot is a system-level version of the browser-based Copilot that the company began previewing in February. Microsoft sees the tool – including Microsoft Office and Teams – as representing a huge change in how customers interact with Microsoft software. “Artificial intelligence is going to be the single biggest driver of Windows innovation in the coming years,” Panos Panay, Microsoft’s vice president and chief product officer, told ReturnByte’s Devindra Hardawar in an interview at Build 2023. “It’s going to change the way you work, change your interaction patterns to make it easier. It’s going to understand so much about what you need.”
Microsoft says that the preview’s “managed feature deployment” disables some of Copilot’s full functionality for future builds. The company also warns that new Windows Insiders joining the Beta Channel today will not be able to install this update. It says even some established Windows Insiders may not see the build right away, but it will “increase deployment in the coming weeks.” The rollout follows Microsoft’s release of Copilot Preview in late June for developers using preview builds.
After installing the correct preview (Build 22631.2129 or later), you can activate Windows Copilot by clicking the corresponding button on the taskbar (a blue ribbon ring with a yellow PRE symbol) or by typing the shortcut Win + C. “Windows Copilot appears as a sidebar pinned to the right, where it does not overlap with desktop content, and works seamlessly alongside open application windows, allowing you to interact with Windows Copilot at any time, the company wrote.
Microsoft listed examples of queries that Copilot can handle at this early stage. For example, you can ask it to perform basic Windows tasks like “Switch to dark mode” or “Turn on do not disturb.” In addition, it can summarize active websites in the Edge browser, compose stories and create AI art. The company says the ellipsis button in the top right corner of the Copilot sidebar lets you submit feedback.
