For users of Copilot+ PCs, the integration of new AI models is a seamless process that often goes unnoticed. While many may not keep a close eye on version numbers or the Windows Update history, Microsoft has taken steps to ensure transparency by releasing a comprehensive list of AI components. This new support document, titled “Release information for AI components,” was recently discovered by Windows Latest and is now available alongside the familiar release notes for Windows 11 updates, such as versions 25H2 and 24H2. Microsoft’s commitment to maintaining changelogs for all models mirrors its approach to Windows updates.
What are AI components on Windows 11, and how can you install them?
AI components are essential for enabling various AI models to operate locally on devices. Microsoft advises users to refer to the KB release notes for insights on changes and installation procedures. Currently, these AI models can be installed through Windows Update, with most installations occurring automatically on compatible PCs that meet the requirement of 40+ TOPs of NPU. Alternatively, users can access the Microsoft Update Catalog, where these models are included by default. This change has contributed to a significant increase in the size of Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates, which now range from 4-5GB, compared to the pre-Copilot+ PC updates that were typically under 800MB.
For those who own an “AI” PC, managing these components is straightforward. Users can navigate to Settings > System > AI Components to view and manage their AI components, although this page remains empty for older PCs. Note: All new PCs are classified as “AI” PCs.
List of AI components on Windows 11
The newly introduced changelog-style table details individual components such as the Settings Model, Image Search, Semantic Analysis, and Content Extraction. It also encompasses lower-level elements like Execution Provider and imaging components, including Image Transform and Image Processing. Notably, Phi Silica stands out as a distinct component with its own KB entries.
Windows Latest has noted that these AI models receive updates quietly every few weeks, often without any visible changes. For instance, updates released on December 9 included version 1.2511.1224.0 for several components, coinciding with the Windows 11 December 9 Patch Tuesday release. Similarly, updates on December 1, 2025, featured version 1.2511.1196.0 across multiple components, aligning with the delayed rollout of November 2025 optional updates that began on the same date.
While some of these updates may enhance Copilot features in applications like Paint, Notepad, or Windows Recall, specific details regarding improvements remain elusive. It appears that Microsoft is gearing up for more frequent updates to models and components on Windows 11, necessitating a clearer tracking system for changes beyond the main monthly Windows updates. In contrast, Microsoft does not provide separate changelog support documents for built-in apps like Photos or Paint, reserving this level of detail for more widely used products such as Office and Outlook.
