Microsoft’s Copilot App Takes a Native Leap
Microsoft has once again transformed its Copilot app for Windows, this time emphasizing its commitment to a truly native experience. The latest update, currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders via the Microsoft Store, is touted by the tech giant as a native XAML application. This iteration introduces a side panel designed for initiating conversations, as well as a conversation history list to enhance user interaction.
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 is programmed to deliver responses tailored specifically to the user’s device, moving away from the generic answers typically associated with web searches.
This update marks yet another chapter in the ongoing evolution of the Copilot app. Previously, Microsoft had claimed to have developed a “native” version, which turned out to be merely a wrapper around a website, replacing an earlier Progressive Web App (PWA). Now, the company is striving to present something that feels more like a seamlessly integrated Windows application, rather than a hastily assembled web-based tool.
In the most recent release, Microsoft introduced a shortcut key—Alt + Space—for users who lack a dedicated Copilot key. This addition comes on the heels of the launch of a native version of Copilot for Mac users, highlighting the necessity for a similar offering on Windows, the company’s flagship operating system.
The update will gradually roll out across all Insider Channels through the Microsoft Store, with a careful approach to ensure that any potential issues are addressed before reaching the broader user base. While Microsoft has not specified a timeline for general availability, indications suggest that the update could be accessible within the next few weeks, provided testing yields no significant concerns.
At present, the Copilot app’s capabilities remain somewhat limited in terms of direct control over a user’s PC. However, this development signals a promising trajectory—eventually, users may find themselves managing more of their PC’s functions through a conversational interface, reducing the need for reaching out to family members or IT support when technical issues arise.
