With Microsoft integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into various facets of its software, the latest development sees this feature poised to transform the search experience within Windows. The “Ask Copilot anything” box is now available in the latest Windows Insider Dev and Beta builds, although it remains off by default for users who wish to explore its capabilities.
Upon activation, the Copilot search box offers a glimpse into a future where AI seamlessly blends into everyday tasks. Currently, the default Windows 11 Search box simply prompts users with the word “Search,” accompanied by a colorful icon. In contrast, the Copilot box invites users to “Ask Copilot anything,” featuring both a glasses icon and a microphone icon that hint at its interactive potential.
Engaging with the Copilot search box is akin to peering into a new dimension of user experience. Typing a query, such as “George Washington,” yields a combination of search results and prompts to engage with Copilot directly. For instance, the top result might encourage users to inquire more about the first president while also displaying relevant files, creating a blend of traditional search and AI interaction.
When selecting one of the Copilot responses, the system seamlessly transitions to the Copilot for Windows app, where users can receive detailed answers. However, the experience can vary; searching for applications or files, like Chrome, produces a straightforward list of results, yet discrepancies may arise between the outcomes of traditional search and those generated by Copilot.
One notable aspect of the Copilot box is its floating dialog, which appears centrally on the screen. This design choice can be somewhat disconcerting, particularly for users accustomed to the traditional left-aligned Start menu and Search box layout.
Another intriguing feature is Copilot Vision, activated by clicking the glasses icon. This allows users to verbally inquire about what is displayed on their screen, enhancing the interactive experience. For those with multiple monitors, Copilot Vision prompts users to select which screen to share, facilitating spontaneous questions about on-screen content. However, accuracy can be an issue; for example, when asked how many icons were on the desktop, Copilot miscounted, indicating nine instead of the actual twenty-two.
Conversely, clicking the microphone icon initiates a voice interaction with Copilot, which is enabled by default. This feature mirrors the experience of using the “Hey Copilot” wake word, allowing for hands-free communication. It’s worth noting that even with the “Ask Copilot anything” feature enabled, traditional search functionality remains accessible through the Start menu.
How to get the Ask Copilot anything box
To activate the “Ask Copilot anything” box, users must ensure they are on Windows Insider build 26220.7051 or higher within the Beta or Dev channels. For those not yet part of the Windows Insider program, signing up is a straightforward process via Settings -> Windows Update -> Windows Insider Program. Users can verify their build by running the command winver.
Once on the correct build, users may still need to enable the Copilot box using ViveTool, a free utility designed to unlock hidden Windows features. The steps include:
- Download ViveTool and unzip it to the
C:vivefolder. - Launch an elevated command prompt by searching for
cmd, right-clicking it, and selecting “Run as administrator.” - Change to the ViveTool directory by entering
cd /vive. - Enable the feature with the command:
vivetool /enable /id:57739723,57941090. - Reboot the PC and navigate to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar to toggle “Ask Copilot” on.
After completing these steps, the search box will proudly display “Ask Copilot anything.” While this feature may enhance the user experience for some, it raises questions about the necessity of merging Copilot with traditional search functionalities. For now, many users might prefer to stick with the conventional search box, hoping that Microsoft allows for flexibility in user preferences moving forward.
