Microsoft is currently in the process of updating its Copilot app for Windows 11, introducing a new home page that mirrors the familiar layout of the Start menu. This transformation aims to enhance user experience by shifting away from the existing chat-based interface, as reported by Windows Latest. The update is being gradually rolled out through the Microsoft Store, and while many users may notice the changes soon, it may take some time for the rollout to reach every Windows 11 device.
The revamped Copilot app will now provide users with a more intuitive interface, allowing for seamless interaction with various features of the operating system. As part of this update, there are indications that the ChatGPT-powered Agent may soon be integrated into the Copilot app, enabling users to perform tasks such as booking travel tickets with greater ease. This anticipated addition is expected to arrive in the next update, further enriching the app’s functionality.
Analysis: the Start of a bigger change?
This update, while previously observed in testing phases, is now making its way to users, albeit at a measured pace. The overarching goal appears to be a deeper integration of the Copilot app within the Windows 11 ecosystem. Rather than merely responding to AI queries, the app is evolving to assist users with a broader range of tasks. For instance, users can now click on documents listed in the recently-used files section of the Copilot app, which will open them directly in Word on their desktop.
While the new home page does not completely replicate the Start menu, it certainly draws inspiration from it, hinting at a potential future where the two might converge. This raises intriguing questions about the direction of the Start menu itself. Could we eventually see a Start menu that is fundamentally shaped by the Copilot AI? If we consider the ongoing infusion of AI into Windows 11, it seems plausible that Copilot could become ubiquitous, leading to a Start menu that prioritizes AI-driven queries and offers not just quick access to applications but also intelligent assistance and recommendations.
This evolution appears to be a natural progression for Microsoft, suggesting that the redesign of the Copilot app may offer a glimpse into the future of the Start menu in upcoming versions of Windows. Whether this shift will lead to a more helpful user experience or simply serve as a platform for Microsoft’s marketing remains to be seen. However, the momentum behind AI integration is undeniable, and it seems unlikely to fade away anytime soon.
