Copilot feature Archives

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.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Xbox’s new gaming AI aims to “help you get good” at everything from Overwatch 2 to Minecraft by watching you play and giving you advice

Microsoft is introducing its Copilot generative AI chatbot to Xbox, initially available in beta for Xbox Insiders on mobile devices, with plans for console and PC integration. The AI assistant will provide players with tips, reminders of previous gaming sessions, and personalized game recommendations. Fatima Kardar, corporate VP of gaming AI, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the gaming experience and encourages user feedback during the rollout. Demonstrations show Copilot assisting players with game reinstallation, providing strategies, suggesting character alternatives, and guiding newcomers in games like Minecraft. Players can opt out of using the AI if desired. Microsoft plans to collaborate with game studios to ensure the accuracy of the information provided by Copilot. Phil Spencer envisions leveraging generative AI to enhance gameplay and preserve games tied to unique hardware.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Skype is dying, but this niche messaging app once bought by Skype just integrated with Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft has integrated a new Copilot feature into GroupMe, allowing users to interact with AI for generating responses and enhancing group chat communication. Users can summon Copilot with a long press on messages, enabling functionalities such as brainstorming ideas, curating playlists, and simplifying complex concepts. GroupMe, acquired by Microsoft after its launch in 2010, has become popular among students due to its user-friendly features. The 2024 update represents a significant overhaul, emphasizing adaptability and user engagement. Future enhancements may include AI that understands group dynamics for more interactive experiences.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Windows 11 will add a new way to talk to Microsoft Copilot — no Copilot key required

Microsoft is testing a new press to talk functionality for its Copilot feature on PCs, allowing users to engage with the AI tool using a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Spacebar for two seconds) to start a voice conversation and Esc to end it. The update is being rolled out via the Microsoft Store, requiring the app version to be at least 1.25024.100.0. Additionally, a revamped Copilot app for Windows 11 is being previewed, featuring a native app UI framework for better integration, faster launch times, and the option to start automatically upon boot. Some users have expressed surprise at the chosen keyboard shortcut, suggesting a preference for a dedicated Copilot key.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Copilot gets a press to talk hotkey on Windows.

Microsoft is introducing a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Spacebar) for its Copilot feature on Windows, allowing users to initiate voice conversations by pressing and holding the keys for two seconds. This feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders and will be available to all Windows 11 users in the upcoming weeks.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

4 Windows 11 features that make me regret upgrading

Windows 11 has become popular among users, but some experience frustrations with its features. The Copilot feature is heavily integrated, prompting users to engage with it frequently, which many find intrusive. The redesigned Start Menu is seen as cluttered and less user-friendly compared to Windows 10, requiring customization for better usability. The Widgets button on the taskbar has become a distraction, leading many to disable it for improved focus. Windows 11 frequently upsells Microsoft services, requiring a Microsoft account and inundating users with promotional notifications. Overall, users feel that navigating Windows 11 has become adversarial, prioritizing notifications over user experience and complicating basic usability.