If there’s one thing that can be counted on with Microsoft, it’s the company’s commitment to integrating its products and services into Windows, with Copilot being the latest focal point of this strategy. The Start menu in Windows 11 is now poised to become the next platform for this AI assistant, a move that aligns with Microsoft’s historical approach of utilizing the Start menu for its promotional endeavors.
Traditionally, the Start menu has served as a testing ground for various features, often showcasing Microsoft’s own innovations. Until now, it has remained untouched by Copilot, but that status is about to change. While Microsoft has not officially announced any plans regarding this integration, keen observers, including the reliable PhantomOfEarth, have uncovered evidence suggesting that Copilot prompts are on the horizon.
PhantomOfEarth noted on Twitter, “Unsurprisingly, Microsoft’s quest to add Copilot buttons to everything in Windows 11 has reached the Start menu. MS is experimenting with a new Start menu recommendation for Copilot/M365 Copilot that suggests a few different prompts you can use with it.”
In the latest Insider builds of Windows 11, these suggested prompts encompass various scenarios, such as researching topics and drafting documents. This integration hints at Microsoft’s broader strategy to embed Copilot deeply into the user experience.
Unsurprisingly, Microsoft’s quest to add Copilot buttons to everything in Windows 11 has reached the Start menu.MS is experimenting with a new Start menu recommendation for Copilot/M365 Copilot that suggests a few different prompts you can use with it, here are 4: pic.twitter.com/tzHHr0XLoL— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) August 16, 2025
Copilot with everything
Despite the mixed reception from users regarding this relentless push for Copilot, Microsoft appears undeterred. The company’s ambition is clear: to have as many users as possible engaging with Copilot, even if it means risking user dissatisfaction along the way.
Currently, the Copilot prompts are only visible in Insider Builds, leaving some uncertainty about their eventual rollout. However, given Microsoft’s history, the likelihood of this feature becoming mainstream seems high. With financial incentives at play, Microsoft is eager to convert free users into subscribers for Copilot Pro, and the prominent placement of the AI assistant in the Start menu could serve as a compelling nudge for users to explore its capabilities.
While this testing phase allows for the possibility that the feature may not be widely adopted, the company’s track record suggests a strong inclination towards pushing forward with its plans. A crucial aspect to consider is user choice; ideally, Microsoft would provide options for users to disable Copilot within the Start menu and other areas. Whether this flexibility will be offered remains uncertain, but it’s a critical point for user satisfaction that Microsoft must navigate carefully.
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