Microsoft is embarking on a branding journey reminiscent of Apple’s strategic maneuvers, introducing “Windows Intelligence” as the new moniker for its AI features integrated within Windows 11. This initiative was first hinted at through references discovered in a Group Policy, and it has since evolved into the creation of a dedicated Settings page tailored for Windows Intelligence.
Unveiling Windows Intelligence
In a landscape where tech giants are racing to embed artificial intelligence into their platforms, Microsoft is keen on ensuring that users engage with AI in Windows 11 seamlessly. While many anticipated features, including the much-discussed Windows Recall and the intriguing “Click to Do,” are still on the horizon, the company is poised to unveil a comprehensive marketing strategy for this significant update.
The term Windows Intelligence is set to serve as an overarching label for all AI functionalities within the operating system. Recent findings by Albacore on X have revealed new placeholders for an upcoming privacy page, affirming that Windows Intelligence is indeed a forthcoming reality. This rebranding effort will replace the previously tested “Generative AI” settings, with Windows Latest successfully activating the hidden page that showcases this transformation.
As depicted in the accompanying screenshot, the initial toggle within the Settings page governs “Windows Intelligence access,” empowering users to determine whether applications on their devices can leverage generative AI features. A subsequent setting, “Let apps use generative AI,” allows for granular control over which specific applications are permitted to utilize these capabilities.
The “Recent activity” section is designed to enhance transparency, displaying a history of AI requests made within the past week. This feature will enable users to monitor which applications have accessed AI functionalities, akin to the existing activity logs that track microphone and camera usage in Windows 11.
Moreover, Microsoft is committed to providing users with the option to enable or disable Windows Intelligence on a system-wide or user-specific basis, accommodating those with multiple accounts. The company has also explored the potential for a dedicated page within Settings to manage “AI Components,” which would include oversight of updates related to these components through Windows Update, as indicated by references found in musupdatehandlers2.dll.mui.
While the exact release date for Windows Intelligence remains uncertain, there is speculation that Microsoft may unveil or tease this feature by the end of the year, with further insights likely to emerge in early 2025.
