Copilot app Archives

Winsage

August 30, 2026

In a rare move, Google is bringing native Windows 11 and WSL support to its new AI tools

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is gaining popularity among developers, with GitHub introducing experimental support for WSL in its Copilot desktop application, allowing Linux environments to be used directly within Windows. Google is also integrating WSL support into its Antigravity development platform, marking a shift in its approach to Windows support. Rody Davis from Google confirmed that both WSL and native Windows support are being developed for Antigravity, which will enable file operations and shell commands in a Linux environment. GitHub Copilot now allows users to create sessions inside WSL, enhancing the development experience by enabling real-time interaction with projects in a WSL environment. Additionally, Microsoft is focusing on improving Windows for developers, with initiatives like Coreutils for Windows and the open-sourcing of WinUI, while Ubuntu is reportedly gaining traction on Windows 11.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft disables Windows 11’s new “Ask Copilot” Taskbar feature to “incorporate feedback” as it pivots to unified Copilot app

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Taskbar, integrating Copilot into the search experience. The feature, initially called "Ask Copilot," allows users to interact with Copilot while accessing traditional app and file searches. It has been gradually rolled out in a preview format to select users, primarily in commercial settings using Microsoft 365 Copilot. A consumer version is also in development, but the Ask Copilot feature has been temporarily removed to update the experience based on user feedback. Users will revert to the traditional Windows Search experience automatically during this transition. The Windows Search functionality is being redesigned for improved accuracy and speed. The Ask Copilot search pane includes a chat box for interactions with Copilot and shortcut buttons for Copilot Vision, but the full rollout of Ask Copilot will require further refinement.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Classic Outlook bug breaks Copilot, but some might call it an upgrade

Microsoft is facing scrutiny over a bug in build 20026.20182 affecting classic Outlook users with Copilot features, causing the Copilot button to disappear and other functionalities to become inoperable for those with either a Copilot Chat (Basic) license or a paid M365 Copilot (Premium) account. The Copilot icon is missing from its usual locations, and while the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and web experience are functioning, users are advised to switch to Outlook on the web or the new Outlook app for immediate access. Standard troubleshooting methods have not consistently resolved the issue.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft begins unified Copilot app rollout: Reveals major plan to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot across all platforms, along with updated branding

Microsoft is unifying its Copilot applications by merging the consumer and productivity versions into a single app branded as "Copilot." This change aims to simplify user experience and will feature a cohesive design and improved navigation. Certain features will be retired, including: - Group Chat: All threads, messages, and images will not carry forward after August 18, 2026. Users should manually copy or download any content they wish to retain. - Podcasts: The Podcasts feature will be fully retired on August 18, 2026, after which users will be unable to create or access podcasts within Copilot. Individual podcast files can be downloaded before the retirement date. - Deep Research: This feature will be retired for consumer users starting August 18, 2026, although existing content will remain accessible. The unified app will be available for both personal and work/school accounts, with security measures in place to protect organizational data. All existing Copilot data, except for the phased-out features, will transition automatically to the new app. The rollout will begin today in phases, starting with mobile users, followed by updates for Windows and macOS by mid-September. The complete rollout schedule includes: - Mid-August 2026: Global rollout begins for mobile and web apps; early-access opt-in opens for Windows and Mac apps. - Late August 2026: Standard rollout of the URL redirect begins. - Mid-September 2026: Global rollout for Windows and Mac apps commences. - Late September 2026: Deferred rollout of the URL redirect begins for the web app.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Linux users finally get a real Copilot app, and Microsoft didn’t even make it

Linux is gaining popularity, with Microsoft acknowledging its relevance by introducing applications for the operating system. An unofficial Copilot alternative for Linux, developed by Hayden Barnes, features a dedicated GTK window for the Copilot web application, allowing secure login sessions and integration with the desktop environment. The app supports autostart, system downloads, and hardware permissions, while providing a native GTK design that enhances user experience with desktop accent colors and dark themes. It isolates Copilot from the browser to improve performance. The first public release of the app occurred this week, and its long-term stability and performance will be monitored.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

5 Reasons Why People Are Ditching Windows 11

Many users have embraced Windows 11, but a significant portion remains loyal to Windows 10 or is exploring alternative operating systems. Performance issues on older laptops with 4-8 GB of RAM are a primary concern, as Windows 11's background processes consume more memory than Windows 10, leading to slowdowns. Users have reported that even supported devices experience performance dips. Methods to enhance Windows 11 performance exist, but many users prefer lightweight alternatives like Linux and ChromeOS Flex, which often provide improved performance. Windows 11 is criticized for its bloatware, with pre-installed software occupying storage space and consuming resources. Users find the interface cluttered and the search functionality inefficient, prompting some to stick with Windows 10 or consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. The update process in Windows 11 has become frustrating due to buggy updates, leading users to delay updates and consider operating systems with more stable update experiences. AI integration in Windows 11 has not been universally appreciated, with some users feeling it is forced and expressing a desire for Microsoft to focus on performance and reliability instead. Data collection practices in Windows 11 have raised privacy concerns, causing some users to hesitate in upgrading from Windows 10. The requirement for a Microsoft account during setup complicates the experience for those who prefer privacy, prompting them to explore other operating systems that prioritize user privacy.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Hate the Copilot Key? Here’s How to Disable It Completely

In 2024, the introduction of the Copilot key on Windows PCs replaced the Right Control (Ctrl) key on many laptops, leading to user complaints about disrupted workflows and the loss of keyboard shortcuts. In response to the backlash, Microsoft is preparing to implement a "kill switch" for the Copilot key, allowing users to revert it back to its original function or disable it entirely. Users will soon be able to remap the key through Settings, and the option to disable it was not previously available. Microsoft acknowledged the challenges faced by users who relied on the Right Ctrl key and noted significant disruptions to workflows. While disabling the Copilot key may become straightforward, completely turning off Copilot is more complex, requiring users to avoid launching the Microsoft Copilot app for 28 days. Microsoft has also indicated a need to remove Copilot from applications where it does not perform well, following the removal of Copilot from several ineffective Windows 11 applications.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft tests Copilot’s new PC insights feature in Windows 11

Microsoft is piloting a feature called “PC insights” in its Windows 11 Copilot app, allowing users to inquire about their computer's hardware specifications such as RAM, storage, GPU performance, processor usage, antivirus status, and battery health. The feature collects system data using Windows APIs with user consent, which can be granted as one-time or permanent access. Currently in the experimental phase, it is being rolled out in the United States and provides insights based on the device's current state. Microsoft has cautioned that the app may not always provide complete or accurate information and has reported that it consumes nearly 1GB of RAM while idle. “PC insights” serves as a troubleshooting tool to help identify performance issues without resolving them directly. Future updates may enhance its capabilities to suggest adjustments or implement configuration changes.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Confused about your PC specs or hardware? Windows 11’s Copilot app is getting new powers to help you ‘understand your device’

Windows 11's Copilot app is testing a new feature called 'PC insights,' which allows users to ask questions about their device's hardware and receive direct answers. Users can inquire about specifications like RAM, storage, GPU details, processor usage, antivirus status, and battery health. The feature connects to Windows APIs and requires user permission to access system details, which can be granted temporarily or permanently. Microsoft assures that the feature is opt-in and does not allow the app to read file contents, only their sizes. Currently, 'PC insights' provides diagnostic suggestions but does not resolve issues directly, with potential future developments for proactive troubleshooting.

Winsage

June 28, 2026

Microsoft is quietly reinstalling Copilot on Windows 11

Microsoft has resumed the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on eligible commercial Windows 11 devices that use Microsoft 365 desktop applications. The rollout began in mid-June 2026 and is expected to continue into early July. The app is delivered through the Office updater and is enabled by default, requiring organizations to opt out if they do not want it. This initiative excludes countries within the European Economic Area due to stricter regulations. The move aims to simplify access to AI tools but has faced criticism regarding user consent and control over software installations.