Microsoft’s Copilot App Gets a Native Makeover
Microsoft has once again transformed its Copilot app for Windows, asserting that this iteration is genuinely native. The update is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders through the Microsoft Store and is touted by the tech giant as a native XAML application. This version introduces a side panel designed for initiating conversations and a history list to track previous interactions.
Being a properly native app rather than a website running in a container means Copilot has more access to the operating system, for better or for worse.
With this new functionality, users can pose questions about their PCs, such as, “How do I set up a Bluetooth headset on this device?” Copilot promises tailored responses specific to the user’s device, moving away from generic web search results.
This latest update marks yet another chapter in the ongoing evolution of Copilot. Previously, Microsoft’s claim of having developed a “native” app was merely a facade, as it functioned as a wrapper around a website, succeeding an earlier Progressive Web App (PWA). Now, Microsoft aims to deliver a more cohesive experience that resembles a fully integrated Windows application rather than a hastily assembled web-based tool.
In the previous release, Microsoft introduced a shortcut key—Alt + Space—for users who lack a dedicated Copilot key. Following the recent launch of a native version for Macs, the demand for a similar solution on Windows was evident.
The transition to a native app means that Copilot enjoys enhanced access to the operating system, which could lead to both improved functionality and potential challenges. The update will be gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store, ensuring that any unforeseen issues can be addressed before reaching the broader user base. While Microsoft has not specified a release date for the general availability of this update, it is anticipated to arrive within the coming weeks, provided that testing yields no significant concerns.
At present, the Copilot app’s capabilities remain somewhat limited in terms of direct interaction with a user’s PC. Nevertheless, this development signals a promising trajectory—eventually, users may find themselves managing more aspects of their PCs through a conversational interface, reducing the need to reach out to family or IT support for troubleshooting common issues, such as a malfunctioning printer.