Copilot for Windows Archives

Winsage

April 5, 2026

New Copilot for Windows 11 includes a full Microsoft Edge package, uses more RAM

A new iteration of Copilot is being released for Windows 11, transitioning from native code (WinUI) to web components and including a full version of Microsoft Edge. The update replaces the previous native app and is available for download through the Microsoft Store, which now requires an installer similar to the Microsoft Edge installer. The new Copilot resembles the web version and has higher RAM usage, consuming up to 500MB in the background and nearly 1GB during use, compared to less than 100MB for the previous version. The new Copilot is a hybrid web application that operates with a rebranded instance of Edge within a WebView2 container, including a complete Microsoft Edge installation that occupies approximately 850 MB. It contains the msedge.dll file, confirming the presence of a full Chromium browser engine, and includes Edge subsystems like Browser Helper Objects and Trust Protection Lists. The Copilot app functions as a web app rendered via WebView2, raising questions about the necessity of such applications on Windows 11 given the existing alternatives.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft is Forming New Team Tasked With Building “100% Native” Windows Apps

Microsoft is establishing a dedicated team to develop native, high-quality Windows applications, led by Rudy Huyn, a Principal Lead Architect with experience in the Microsoft Store and File Explorer. Huyn emphasizes that prior experience with Windows is not necessary, focusing instead on strong product thinking and a customer-centric approach. The goal is to create "100% native" applications to improve the app experience on Windows, which has been criticized for lower quality compared to macOS applications. The Microsoft Store has faced criticism for offering basic web apps, and there are ongoing performance issues with applications like Microsoft Teams and Copilot for Windows. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11's performance and reliability by reintroducing features and improving core applications.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Microsoft appears to be dumping native Copilot for Windows 11 in favour of web wrapper yet again

The latest update for Copilot has transformed it into a WebView-based application, marking it as a hybrid app rather than fully native. The new Copilot (version 146.0.3856.63) operates as a web application, evidenced by multiple sub-processes in the Task Manager that are characteristic of Microsoft Edge. The version number of Copilot aligns closely with that of Microsoft Edge. The revamped Copilot functions as a web app within a desktop shell but loads content from copilot.microsoft.com. Despite its web-based nature, it performs comparably to its native predecessor and launches more quickly. Microsoft had previously announced a "native" version of Copilot, which was misleading as it still relied on web components. In 2025, Microsoft began distributing a truly native Copilot app, free of web components, which started in March 2025. However, the Copilot has now reverted to a web-based format for users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans to extend this change to non-Insiders soon.

Winsage

November 15, 2025

Baffling Microsoft ad shows Copilot AI incorrectly identifying Windows 11 setting — then pretending it was working as intended

Microsoft has launched a video campaign featuring YouTubers and influencers to showcase the capabilities of Copilot for Windows 11. One video demonstrates Copilot's assistance in adjusting text size but fails to provide correct guidance, leading to confusion among viewers. Users expressed negative reactions on social media, questioning the effectiveness of the AI and highlighting its limitations. This has sparked broader discussions about Microsoft's direction for Windows, with users expressing dissatisfaction over features like bloatware and mandatory Microsoft Account requirements. Many are considering alternative platforms due to frustrations with the current user experience.

Winsage

November 5, 2025

Microsoft tests replacing Search with Copilot in Windows 11

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into Windows, with the "Ask Copilot anything" search box now available in the latest Windows Insider Dev and Beta builds, though it is off by default. Users can activate it to receive a blend of traditional search results and AI interactions. The Copilot search box features a glasses icon for visual inquiries and a microphone icon for voice interactions. To enable the feature, users must be on Windows Insider build 26220.7051 or higher and use a utility called ViveTool to unlock it. The Copilot box can be toggled on in the Taskbar settings after enabling it.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Copilot on Windows: Connectors, and Document Creation begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft has rolled out an update for the Copilot app on Windows, introducing several enhancements. The new version allows users to connect with personal services such as OneDrive, Outlook, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts, enabling natural language search across these accounts. Users can link both Microsoft and third-party accounts through the Settings page in the Copilot app. Additionally, the updated Copilot app enables users to create and export content in various file formats, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations, directly from their session. The update is version 1.25095.161.0 and higher, being gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the app.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Microsoft just rebuilt Copilot for Windows with a fancy native UI, and it looks GOOD

Microsoft has unveiled a new Copilot app for Windows 11, currently available in preview for Insiders. This updated app features a sidebar for managing chats, enhanced mica blur effects, and context menus that align with Windows 11's aesthetic. The app has transitioned from a web view to a fully realized native application, improving launch speed and visual appeal while maintaining all previous functionalities, including text-based conversations and the Copilot Voice feature. Users can store chat history in the sidebar and initiate new chats easily. The app includes settings for user control, such as enabling or disabling startup with Windows and toggling the alt+spacebar shortcut. The update is designated as version 1.25023.106.0 and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 requires authorization in Notepad — but not for all

Users have expressed frustration over the requirement to sign in to a Microsoft account to access the new Rewrite feature in Notepad on Windows 11, which is available only on Copilot+ PCs. The basic functionalities of Notepad do not require an account. Microsoft is testing a more integrated version of Copilot for Windows 11, moving away from its current web-based experience. Users have also reported issues with Bluetooth connectivity, headphones, and webcams following recent updates to Windows 11, with ongoing anticipation for enhancements to features like “Conductor” and the taskbar.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Update for Copilot for Windows begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is rolling out an updated version of the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store for Windows Insiders. The update transitions the app from a progressive web app to a fully native version, integrating it into the system tray for easier access. A new quick view feature is introduced, accessible via the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut on Windows 10 and 11 PCs, allowing users to move and resize the quick view window. The update is designated as version 1.24112.123.0 and higher and is being gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels. Feedback can be submitted in the Feedback Hub under Apps > Copilot.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

How to get started with Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11 and 10

Microsoft's Copilot chatbot is available on Windows 11 and Windows 10, with Windows 11 featuring a more integrated app experience compared to the web application format on Windows 10. Users can access Copilot through the Start menu or a pinned Taskbar button. To interact with Copilot, users can type prompts or use voice commands, provided they have a microphone. The app allows customization of voice, language, and themes, and users can adjust privacy settings to prevent data usage for AI training. Copilot includes a discovery feature with AI-generated news summaries and prompt suggestions. Users can install or uninstall the Copilot app via the Microsoft Store and system settings. Future updates may introduce new features like "Copilot Vision" and "Copilot Suggestions."