Copilot feature Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Messaging app Signal will block Windows Recall from taking chat screenshots

Signal has introduced a "Screen Security" feature in its desktop application to prevent external programs, including Windows 11, from capturing screenshots of its interface. This feature is enabled by default and is a response to Microsoft's Recall feature, which captures app window screenshots for AI processing. Signal is concerned about the privacy risks posed by Recall's design, despite Microsoft's assurances of improved privacy controls. The developers have used Windows' Digital Rights Management technology to protect against unauthorized screenshots due to the lack of official APIs from Windows 11. Signal's leadership has criticized the need for such workarounds and has called on Microsoft to provide better tools for developers to safeguard user privacy.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Microsoft dumps AI into Notepad

Microsoft has updated Notepad to include the Copilot feature for text generation, requiring users to sign in with their Microsoft account to access the Write feature. Users can generate text by selecting the Write option from the Copilot menu, which can then be reviewed, saved, or refined. Microsoft has also introduced AI-driven features in Paint, including a sticker generator and a smart selection tool. These updates reflect Microsoft's efforts to innovate its built-in Windows applications, although some users question the necessity of AI in simpler tools like Notepad.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft is now squeezing Copilot AI into its app store

Microsoft has integrated the Copilot AI assistant into the Microsoft Store, enhancing the shopping experience for apps and games. Users can access the Copilot feature via a dedicated button on product pages, which presents suggested queries related to the product. When a query is selected, users can interact with a chat interface to receive responses and ask additional questions. The responses are primarily based on information from the product listing page. This feature will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks, and it cannot be disabled.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

March, April Windows 11 updates cause BSOD pain for users

Microsoft has reported that two recent updates for Windows 11 24H2, specifically the April cumulative update KB5055523 and the March preview update KB5053656, are causing blue screen crashes with the error code 0x18B (SECUREKERNELERROR) after installation and reboot. There is currently no permanent solution, but Microsoft is working on a workaround using a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) that will automatically apply to personal or unmanaged devices through Windows Update. IT departments will need to manually download a Group Policy .msi file to implement the rollback. Affected machines will require a restart to complete the process.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Weekly 927: Up to Stuff

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed Microsoft's recent innovations, including the Windows 11 Feature Tracker, insights from Microsoft Build, advancements in consumer AI, and updates from the gaming sector, particularly Xbox. A new free newsletter offers three time-saving tips every Friday, and subscribers receive complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. The Windows 11 Feature Tracker aims to be a comprehensive resource and may evolve into a web app or wiki. The Windows Insider Program's Beta build for 23H2 introduces changes to file new tabs and new windows, while a nostalgic taskbar icon scaling feature is returning in the Dev and Beta (24H2) versions. Intel has discontinued its Unison app and service. The Build session catalog emphasizes AI developments, with sessions covering Windows Copilot Runtime and productivity enhancements. Microsoft unveiled new Copilot features at a consumer AI event, including web actions and memory personalization, and integrated Copilot Search into Bing. Concerns about AI's impact on human intelligence were discussed, particularly in relation to a Twitter debate on Microsoft's AI demo of Quake II. Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase for June, with updates to the Edge Game Assist feature and GTA V available on Game Pass starting April 15. The Nintendo Switch 2 will support ray tracing and DLSS, though its release is delayed due to tariff challenges. Apple Music for Windows now supports Dolby Atmos, and notable software includes Notion, Typora/iA Writer, and Proton Pass. This week's RunAs Radio episode focuses on Application Risk in Security Copilot. The Heart Cut #02 from the East London Liquor Company is recommended for a unique tasting experience.

Winsage

March 23, 2025

Microsoft Paywalls Its AI Features in Notepad and Paint

Microsoft has announced that access to certain features in Notepad and Paint will now require a paid subscription to a Microsoft 365 account. Users will need this subscription to access new AI enhancements, including an image generator in Paint and AI-driven text rewriting in Notepad. Windows users without a subscription will still have access to core functionalities, but subscription-required features will be grayed out. Ram Bala, an associate professor of business analytics, notes that this aligns with a broader "freemium" strategy due to the high operational costs of deploying AI features. Bala highlights a trend in the tech industry toward usage-based pricing models for AI services. Microsoft has made significant investments in AI, incorporating features across its applications, but some initiatives, like the Copilot feature, have faced delays and privacy concerns.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Microsoft just fixed this Windows 11 bug, but I bet you wish it hadn’t

Microsoft addressed a bug that removed the Copilot feature from certain Windows 11 PCs, specifically affecting users of Windows 11 Build 26100.3476. The company has released an updated version of the Copilot app with improved performance and features. A support document confirmed that the issue has been resolved and users can restore the app from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft is planning a significant update for the Copilot app to provide a native version, and there is user feedback indicating a desire for more flexibility regarding the integration of Copilot, including the option to remove it entirely. Some users reported that Copilot reappears after uninstalling it following a Windows update.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Microsoft: March Windows updates mistakenly uninstall Copilot

Microsoft's cumulative updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 released on March 11, 2025 (KB5053598 for Windows 24H2 and KB5053606 for Windows 10 22H2) have unintentionally led to the removal of the AI-driven Copilot digital assistant from certain systems. Microsoft acknowledged the issue, stating that the Copilot app is unintentionally uninstalled and unpinned from the taskbar, but this problem does not affect the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Microsoft has not provided a detailed explanation for the removal and has not listed this issue on its Windows release health dashboard. The company is working on a resolution and recommends affected users reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store and pin it back to the taskbar. This incident follows a previous occurrence in June 2024, where a Copilot app was retracted due to erroneous installation linked to Microsoft Edge updates. Microsoft had also introduced Copilot to select Windows Server 2025 preview builds but retracted it after pushback from administrators. Recently, Microsoft announced the rollout of a new native Copilot app to Windows Insiders, which includes a press-to-talk feature for voice commands.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Windows 11 gets a tool to control Android phones, but you’re not going to like it

Microsoft's latest feature in Windows 11, Copilot, allows users to control their Android devices from their desktop. Users must manually confirm actions on their phones, such as starting a meditation timer, which requires physical interaction with notifications. Initial tests showed mixed results, with unsuccessful attempts to set alarms and retrieving outdated or deleted messages. This indicates that while Copilot aims to enhance connectivity and assist with daily tasks, its current functionality has limitations.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Could we see the future of Windows and Copilot next month?

The Windows Central Podcast episode features hosts Daniel and Zac discussing the upcoming Microsoft event on April 4, speculating on potential announcements. They cover developments related to Windows 11 and its Copilot feature, delays affecting Apple's Siri, and Xbox Project Kennan.