Windows 11 users will soon have access to a new AI chat sidebar called Microsoft Copilot. This feature, powered by OpenAI, Bing, and Microsoft technologies, allows users to change computer settings, open apps, and generate text and images. While Copilot is still in the preview stage and has some limitations, it brings powerful capabilities to a wide range of users. After updating to Windows 11 version 23H2, users will see a colorful icon labeled “PRE” next to the search box, which opens the Copilot panel on the right side of the screen. The sidebar is not resizable and can be overlapped by other program windows, but it persists even when switching among multiple desktops. Users can type, speak, or upload an image to ask Copilot questions or request tasks.
Copilot offers several options for generating text and allows users to specify the type of results they want, such as creative, balanced, or precise. The AI tool can generate content such as emails, cover letters, web page summaries, reviews, poems, and even fiction. It is proactive in that it proposes sending highlighted or copied text to the chat box for further assistance. Copilot’s responses are typed out in real time, and the answers include links to the web sources from which they are derived. The AI tool also suggests follow-up questions to ask and provides web page links for additional information. However, there is a limit of 30 questions per session. The sidebar interface has some limitations, such as displaying tables poorly, but users can copy and paste the table text into other apps for better viewing. Overall, Copilot is a convenient and versatile tool integrated into Windows 11 that offers a range of AI-powered capabilities to users free of charge.