Copilot Plus Archives

Winsage

November 21, 2025

As Windows turns 40, Microsoft faces an AI backlash

Microsoft is transforming Windows into an "agentic OS" by integrating advanced AI capabilities, as announced at the Ignite conference. The reception has been mixed, with users expressing concerns similar to those after the release of Windows 8. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri faced criticism on social media regarding the initiative, with users calling for a return to simpler interfaces like Windows 7. Despite acknowledging user pain points, many feel that the focus on AI features overshadows necessary improvements. The integration of AI tools like Copilot has received mixed reviews, with reports of unreliability. CEO Satya Nadella envisions a shift towards AI agents performing tasks, while also emphasizing the need for user control over their experience. Microsoft aims to balance innovation with user preferences, allowing users to opt-in to AI features at their own pace. Recent developments include a hotfix driver from Nvidia for Windows 11 performance issues, the return of a calendar feature to Windows 11, integration of Google's AI models into GitHub Copilot, and enhancements in security and performance for Windows and Office applications.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Windows 11 tests Bluetooth audio sharing that connects two headsets at once

Microsoft is enhancing the audio experience for Windows 11 users with a new feature that enables shared audio streaming across multiple wireless devices using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec. This feature is currently in preview mode for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. Users can connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and select the “Shared audio (preview)” option from the quick settings menu. The shared audio feature is available on select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro, with plans for additional devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro to support it soon. Compatible devices include Bluetooth LE models such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Google’s new Windows desktop app brings a Spotlight-like search bar to PC

Google is piloting a search application for Windows users that allows seamless searching of local files, Google Drive content, and the web using the Alt + Space shortcut. The app requires users to sign in for a personalized experience and integrates Google Lens for image selection and text translation. It offers various result toggles, including AI Mode, Images, Shopping, and Videos, and features customizable dark and light modes. The app places a search bar on the desktop that can be resized and minimized with the shortcut. It is currently available in English for users in the United States with Windows 10 or later. Users can activate the experiment in Google’s Search Labs.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows 11 test brings AI file search to the Copilot app

Microsoft is rolling out a Windows 11 update that integrates artificial intelligence into the Copilot app, allowing users to search through files and images using more descriptive language. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs. Microsoft is also experimenting with a new home experience within Copilot that highlights recent applications, files, and conversations. When users select an app from the “get guided help” section, Copilot initiates a Vision session, providing step-by-step guidance. Users can also upload recent photos to request further information about them. These features are being gradually rolled out across all Insider channels via the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft makes OpenAI’s new open model available on Windows

OpenAI has released a new, free, and open GPT model called gpt-oss-20b, which can run on personal computers. Microsoft is facilitating its integration for Windows users through the Windows AI Foundry, with plans to extend support to macOS. The model requires a PC or laptop with at least 16GB of VRAM and is optimized for code execution and tool utilization. Microsoft has pre-optimized the model for local inference, indicating potential future support for more devices. This is the first instance of an OpenAI model running locally on Windows, coinciding with Amazon's adoption of the new open-weight GPT-OSS models for its cloud services.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Recall is reportedly still capturing passwords and Social Security numbers even after its relaunch

The Microsoft Windows Recall AI app, designed to take screenshots of user activities, has faced security concerns regarding its ability to protect sensitive information. Initially launched in summer 2024 with Copilot+ PCs, it was retracted due to issues capturing sensitive data but returned to Windows Insiders in April 2025. Testing by The Register revealed that while the app's "Filter sensitive information" feature blocked some financial data, it still captured sensitive information like bank balances and failed to recognize variations in phrasing. Users can block specific applications or websites from being captured, but this may limit the app's utility. Recall is intended for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, and opting for devices with Intel or AMD chips can help mitigate security risks. Microsoft is reportedly working on improving the app's security features, but its future remains uncertain.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Adobe releases Windows on Arm versions of Premiere Pro and After Effects

Adobe has launched public beta versions of Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder optimized for Windows on Arm. The beta versions have limitations, including Premiere Pro's lack of support for third-party extensions and raw video files like ProRes, as well as missing hardware-accelerated playback and export for H.264 and HEVC in MP4 format. After Effects also lacks ProRes support and has restrictions on importing and exporting various file formats, including ARRIRAW and WMV, and does not support MotionJPEG and MKV imports. Audition and Media Encoder share similar limitations. Adobe began its ARM transition with a beta release of Photoshop for Windows in late 2020, and the transition for Premiere Pro and After Effects has taken longer than expected. Users of Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs have relied on emulated versions of Premiere Pro, which have struggled with performance for intensive video editing tasks.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11’s new update will add a bunch of AI features

Microsoft is introducing the Copilot Vision tool for Windows 11, which scans and analyzes content on users' screens, allowing them to ask questions about what they see and receive immediate assistance. This feature is part of a broader rollout of AI capabilities aimed at improving productivity. For users with Snapdragon-powered Copilot Plus PCs, an AI-driven agent in the Settings app will enable natural language searches for specific settings. The “Click to Do” preview feature will be enhanced for quick actions, and unique features for Copilot Plus PCs will include an AI-powered sticker generator in Paint, an object selection tool for image editing, and an AI lighting option in Photos. The Snipping Tool will also gain a “perfect screenshot” feature. Additionally, all Windows 11 users will benefit from a new color picker in the Snipping Tool and an automatic issue resolution mechanism for unexpected restarts. These features will be rolled out over the next month.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Microsoft Notepad gets an AI makeover

Microsoft is introducing an AI-powered feature called “Write” to Notepad as part of the Copilot Plus initiative, transforming it into a more interactive tool. The “Write” feature allows users to generate and refine text by right-clicking within a document to access a prompt box powered by Windows Copilot. Users can submit ideas, and the AI drafts text based on the input, offering options to accept, refine, or restart the writing process. Microsoft is also enhancing Paint with an AI sticker generator and an object selection tool, and the Snipping Tool will feature automatic cropping and resizing of screenshots. Users must sign in with a Microsoft account and use a Windows 11 system with a Copilot Plus PC to access these new features, and a credit system will meter the use of the AI tools.

Winsage

May 24, 2025

Note, Paint and Snip With AI: Microsoft Adds New Features, but Not for Everyone

Notepad will soon include generative AI capabilities powered by Copilot, allowing users to assist in text creation by right-clicking and inputting instructions. This feature will be available only to Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscribers. Paint will enable users to create custom stickers through prompts, but this feature will only be available on devices with Copilot Plus. The Snipping Tool will introduce a "perfect screenshot" capability accessible to all users, eliminating the need for manual cropping or resizing.