Microsoft is elevating its Copilot feature to a central role within Windows 11, moving beyond its previous status as a mere sidebar experiment. The latest Insider Preview Build 26220.7051, available in the Dev and Beta Channels under KB5067115, introduces a new “Ask Copilot” shortcut directly in the taskbar, seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence into daily tasks.
Enhanced User Experience
Once activated, the Ask Copilot feature allows users to effortlessly search for applications, files, settings, or even engage in direct conversations with Copilot through voice or text commands. This innovation represents a significant advancement in the Windows Search functionality, offering a more intelligent and responsive experience.
As you begin to type, the results dynamically adjust, drawing from both your device and Copilot’s suggestions in a cohesive interface. Microsoft has made it clear that this feature is opt-in, ensuring users can choose whether to incorporate it into their workflow. The company emphasizes that Ask Copilot “complements the familiar Windows Search experience,” allowing users to “continue using Search as you always have from Start while trying out this new experience.”
To enable this feature, users can navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. Additionally, there is an option to set Copilot to launch automatically upon sign-in through the app settings. Importantly, Ask Copilot operates using existing Windows APIs, ensuring that it does not access personal files unless explicitly requested by the user.
Microsoft reassures users, stating, “Ask Copilot uses existing Windows APIs to return apps, files, and settings—just like Windows Search—and does not grant Copilot access to your personal content. For more details, you can learn about privacy and control options for Microsoft Copilot here.”
This update also coincides with the introduction of a Full Screen Experience for more handheld devices and a Shared Audio Preview, further enhancing the overall user experience within Windows 11.