In a strategic move to enhance user experience, Microsoft is introducing Ask Copilot in the Taskbar, a feature designed to evolve the traditional Windows Search. This optional enhancement is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels who have updated to Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115).
Ask Copilot aspires to transform the taskbar into a dynamic hub, offering one-click access to Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, alongside an upgraded version of Windows Search. The latter, while functional, has not seen significant updates over the years and has been limited by its reliance on indexed content, lacking a deeper understanding of user intent.
What is Ask Copilot in the taskbar?
While Microsoft refrains from labeling Ask Copilot as a direct replacement for Windows Search, it effectively combines the two functionalities. When users input queries into Ask Copilot, the feature utilizes the same APIs that power traditional Windows Search, enabling the discovery of local apps, files, and system settings. The addition of Copilot aims to introduce semantic understanding, potentially allowing for a more intuitive interaction.
Beyond mere search capabilities, Ask Copilot positions itself as a gateway to Copilot Vision and Voice directly from the taskbar. The interface replaces the standard Windows Search bar and includes buttons for both Copilot Vision and Voice, facilitating seamless access to these features.
Hands on with new Copilot Search UI in the taskbar
Engaging with the new “Ask Copilot anything” search bar reveals a sleek floating window that features a text box, a Copilot icon, and dedicated buttons for Copilot Vision and Voice. The transition is smooth, with taskbar icons adjusting elegantly as the search bar activates. However, a minor overlap issue occurs when the floating window is closed, where the text slightly obscures the icons.
In comparison to the conventional Windows Search, the Ask Copilot interface is visually appealing and compact, providing a quicker response time without overwhelming users with unnecessary information before they begin typing.
Ask Copilot in the taskbar can search files and settings
Similar to its predecessor, Ask Copilot is capable of searching for files, applications, and settings. Testing revealed no significant speed differences between the two; however, the cleaner UI of Ask Copilot enhances the overall user experience. Utilizing Windows’ existing Search indexing system, Ask Copilot maintains a local database of searchable content, ensuring that user privacy is upheld as it does not access personal files during searches.
When users inquire about changing settings using natural language, an Ask Copilot tag appears beneath their input. Clicking this tag redirects them to the Copilot app, as the feature currently does not execute commands directly, mirroring the functionality of Windows Search.
<figure id="attachment84409″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-84409″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment84409″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Ask Copilot doesn’t recognize system settings asked in natural language
Copilot Vision and Voice in taskbar
The standout features of this update are Copilot Vision and Voice, which are designed to facilitate direct interaction with the PC from the taskbar. However, testing these features revealed that both buttons merely redirect users to the Copilot app, indicating that further development is needed.
Microsoft’s vision to integrate AI into every Windows 11 PC is exemplified by Ask Copilot, which aims to foster a more natural workflow. Demonstrations have shown users invoking Copilot Vision while editing presentations, highlighting the potential for streamlined task management.
<figure id="attachment84404″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-84404″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment84404″ class=”wp-caption-text”>File upload button in Ask Copilot window. Credits: Microsoft
Microsoft is not killing off Windows Search for now
Despite the introduction of Ask Copilot, the traditional Windows Search remains intact, as evidenced by the updated Start menu, which still features the classic search bar. This indicates that Windows Search will continue to coexist with the new feature.
At present, Ask Copilot offers a minimalistic design but lacks substantial functionality, particularly with the non-operational Copilot Vision and Voice features. For Microsoft’s goal of making Copilot an integral part of the user experience to be realized, clear communication regarding the feature’s privacy measures will be essential.
Ask Copilot is an optional feature, needs to be turned on or off
By default, Ask Copilot is disabled. Users can enable it by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. Activating the toggle will replace the Windows Search with Ask Copilot, while users can revert to the traditional search by disabling the toggle.
As of now, there is no timeline for a broader rollout to the general public, with Ask Copilot currently available only to insiders in the Beta and Dev channels. Once widely adopted, the computational demands of Ask Copilot may necessitate on-device processing for optimal performance on Copilot+ PCs.
