Microsoft Overhauls Copilot: Native Windows 11 App Delivers Enhanced Performance and Integration

Microsoft is doubling down on its AI assistant, Copilot, with a significant update that transforms it into a native Windows 11 application. This redesigned version, currently being rolled out to Windows 11 Insiders across all channels, promises a dramatically improved user experience through tighter integration, faster response times, and reduced resource consumption. The move signifies Microsoft’s commitment to embedding AI deeply within its operating system and providing users with a more seamless and intuitive way to interact with AI-powered assistance.

The key takeaway from this update is the shift from a sidebar-based or web app experience to a fully integrated native application. According to early testers, the new Copilot app is already outperforming the dedicated ChatGPT desktop app in several critical areas, particularly in terms of speed and memory usage. This suggests that Microsoft has optimized Copilot specifically for the Windows 11 environment, leveraging the operating system’s capabilities to deliver a more responsive and efficient AI assistant.

The development team at Microsoft appears to have rebuilt Copilot from the ground up, utilizing core Windows technologies such as XAML and WinUI. This allows the app to seamlessly integrate with the Windows 11 user interface, providing a consistent and familiar experience for users. The native integration brings a host of benefits, including its own dedicated controls, a taskbar icon for quick access, and a picture-in-picture mode for multitasking. These features were absent in previous iterations of Copilot, which were often relegated to a secondary role within the operating system.

One of the most significant improvements highlighted by initial testers is the remarkable speed at which the new Copilot app generates responses. This is attributed to the native integration, which allows Copilot to access and process information more efficiently. Furthermore, the app’s memory footprint has been significantly reduced, with testers reporting an average RAM usage of only 50 to 100 MB. This is a substantial improvement over previous versions and other AI assistant apps, making Copilot a much more resource-friendly option for users with limited memory.

The redesigned user interface also plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience. The new sidebar provides a streamlined and intuitive way to initiate new conversations with the AI chatbot and receive immediate answers. This eliminates the need to navigate through menus or web pages, allowing users to quickly access the information and assistance they need.

Beyond performance improvements, the native Windows 11 integration also enables Copilot to better understand the user’s system and provide more relevant and personalized responses. By having direct access to system information, installed applications, and user settings, Copilot can tailor its suggestions and solutions to the specific needs of each individual user. This level of personalization was previously unavailable in earlier versions of Copilot, which were limited in their ability to access and interpret system-level data.

While the current version of Copilot is not yet capable of directly controlling Windows 11 settings or applications, Microsoft has indicated that this functionality may be implemented in future updates. This would further enhance the integration and make Copilot an even more powerful and versatile tool for managing and optimizing the Windows 11 experience. Imagine being able to ask Copilot to adjust display settings, manage running processes, or even troubleshoot system errors, all through natural language commands.

The current rollout of the new Copilot app to Windows 11 Insiders across all channels is a crucial step in gathering feedback and identifying any potential issues before a wider release. The specific version number of the new Copilot app is 1.25023.101.0, which users can use to verify that they have received the updated version. If you are a Windows 11 Insider, you should expect to receive the new Copilot app in the coming days, if you haven’t already.

However, the timeline for a broader release to all Windows 11 users remains unclear. Microsoft typically uses the Insider program to thoroughly test new features and updates before making them available to the general public. This allows them to identify and address any bugs or performance issues that may arise, ensuring a smooth and stable experience for all users.

The introduction of a native Copilot app for Windows 11 marks a significant milestone in Microsoft’s AI strategy. By deeply integrating AI into its operating system, Microsoft is aiming to provide users with a more intelligent, intuitive, and efficient way to interact with their computers. The improved performance, reduced resource consumption, and enhanced personalization capabilities of the new Copilot app are all significant steps in the right direction.

As Microsoft continues to develop and refine Copilot, we can expect to see even more advanced features and capabilities added in the future. The potential for AI to transform the way we use and interact with our computers is immense, and Microsoft is clearly committed to being at the forefront of this technological revolution. The future of Windows 11 is undoubtedly intertwined with the evolution of Copilot, and we can anticipate a more seamless, intelligent, and personalized computing experience in the years to come. The current update is a tantalizing glimpse into that future, and Windows 11 users have much to look forward to.

The move to a native app, combined with the reported performance gains and deeper system integration, suggests Microsoft is betting big on Copilot becoming a central and indispensable part of the Windows 11 experience. The promise of future updates that allow Copilot to directly control system settings further reinforces this idea, painting a picture of an AI assistant that is not just informative, but actively helpful in managing and optimizing the user’s computing environment. This is a far cry from the previous iterations of Copilot, and signals a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to integrating AI into its flagship operating system. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining how well this new vision of Copilot resonates with users and whether it truly lives up to its potential as a game-changing AI assistant.