Copilot interface Archives

Winsage

January 9, 2026

Microsoft may integrate Copilot Chat directly into the File Explorer on Windows 11 next

A non-functional button has been discovered in the File Explorer app of the latest Windows 11 preview builds, which appears when users hover over a vacant area in the navigation bar. This button is speculated to be related to a feature called "Chat with Copilot," suggesting an interactive element for user experience. Users may soon be able to detach the Copilot interface from the File Explorer window, potentially as a sidebar or pop-up, allowing direct engagement with Copilot regarding selected documents and files.

Winsage

November 4, 2025

First look at Windows 11’s new Copilot-powered Taskbar search box in action — better than the old search UI?

Microsoft has released the first preview build of Windows 11, featuring a new Copilot-powered Taskbar search box that replaces the traditional Windows Search interface. This new interface integrates search results and AI chatbot functionalities, but it is an optional feature that requires users to enable it through the Windows Settings app and have the Copilot app installed. The Copilot search UI retains the traditional Start menu search, which may cause confusion. The new interface does not significantly improve search result reliability and continues to rely on existing Windows Search pane APIs. Additionally, there is currently no option to access the new search UI from the Start menu.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

First look at how Copilot will change Windows 11 taskbar search

Microsoft is introducing Ask Copilot in the Taskbar, an optional feature currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels with Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115). Ask Copilot aims to enhance user experience by transforming the taskbar into a hub for accessing Copilot Voice and Vision, alongside an upgraded Windows Search. It combines functionalities of Windows Search and introduces semantic understanding for more intuitive interactions. The interface replaces the standard Windows Search bar and includes buttons for Copilot Vision and Voice, facilitating access to these features. Ask Copilot can search for files, applications, and settings using Windows’ existing Search indexing system, ensuring user privacy by not accessing personal files during searches. When users ask about changing settings in natural language, an Ask Copilot tag appears, redirecting them to the Copilot app, as it currently does not execute commands directly. The Copilot Vision and Voice features merely redirect users to the Copilot app, indicating further development is needed. Windows Search remains intact and will coexist with Ask Copilot. Ask Copilot is disabled by default and can be enabled in Settings. There is no timeline for a broader rollout to the general public, as it is currently available only to insiders.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Microsoft moves more options from Control Panel to Settings

Microsoft is transitioning users from the traditional Control Panel to the Windows Settings app in the latest build 27928 for Windows 11 Insider Preview Canary Channel. This update includes features such as adding multiple clocks, selecting a time server, and relocating time formatting settings to the Settings app. Users can also enable Unicode UTF-8 for better language support. Microsoft has indicated a desire to phase out the Control Panel, although it remains available for compatibility. New features for the Copilot App include semantic file searches using natural language queries, management of permissions for what Copilot can access, and a list of recent documents compatible with the chatbot. The Copilot interface aims to provide easy access to recent applications, files, and conversations.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Copilot on Windows: “Hey, Copilot!” begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is rolling out an update for the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store, introducing several enhancements. A key feature is the "Hey, Copilot" wake word, allowing users to activate Copilot Voice hands-free. Users must enable this feature in the app's settings. Once activated, users can say "Hey, Copilot" followed by their query, and the Copilot interface will appear on the screen. Conversations can be ended by tapping the ‘X’ or automatically after a few moments of silence. The feature requires manual activation and will show that the microphone is in use when enabled. The wake word detection occurs locally, and no recordings are sent to the cloud until the wake word is recognized. The feature is available only in English and requires the PC to be powered on and unlocked. The update version 1.25051.10.0 and higher is being rolled out gradually to Insiders with English display language settings. Users can provide feedback through the app.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Microsoft updates Copilot with ChatGPT-like interface, “mode” buttons spotted

Microsoft's Copilot interface is undergoing its sixth update, moving chat history to a new sidebar panel on the left side, replacing the previous pop-up design. The redesign, inspired by Pi AI, was introduced in September 2024 and aimed to make chat history more accessible based on user preferences. The new interface, resembling ChatGPT, features similar icons and allows users to collapse the history panel for a larger chat window. A “Discover” button has been added, enabling users to explore various topics and access "Copilot Daily," an AI-driven podcast summarizing news. Copilot now offers two operational modes: Quick, which provides responses in two to three seconds, and Think Deeper, which takes about 30 seconds for complex inquiries and is unlimited in use. Microsoft is considering additional modes for future updates.