Microsoft has taken a significant step forward with its Copilot Vision AI assistant, now allowing users to opt-in to share their entire desktop within Windows 11. This feature, currently available only in preview builds, is not being rolled out through Windows Update, ensuring that users have control over their experience.
Enhanced Interaction with Copilot
According to an announcement on the official Windows blog, this new capability enables users to share their desktop, specific browser windows, or app interfaces with Copilot. The AI can then observe what the user sees and engage in real-time conversations, providing analysis, insights, and answers to questions while guiding users through tasks vocally.
For those nostalgic for the past, Microsoft has hinted that Copilot may even take on a familiar form, reminiscent of Clippy, the animated paperclip assistant from Office 97. This playful nod to history could evoke a sense of comfort for long-time users, though it also raises pertinent privacy considerations.
While the feature is designed to enhance user interaction, Microsoft’s history with privacy issues—such as the earlier revelation that the Recall feature in Windows 11 stored desktop snapshots as unencrypted images—adds a layer of caution for potential adopters. Currently, this opt-in feature is primarily targeted at dedicated Windows enthusiasts and developers participating in the Windows Insider program.
This update is part of Windows 11 build 1.25071.125 and is limited to users in the U.S. where Windows Vision is enabled. As Microsoft continues to innovate, the balance between enhanced functionality and user privacy remains a crucial conversation in the tech community.
