Microsoft is preparing to launch its highly anticipated Microsoft Copilot AI assistant for all Windows 11 consumer and enterprise users. The rollout will coincide with Microsoft’s next major Windows 11 2023 Update (version 22H2) beginning September 26th.
The substantial update packs over 150 new features, with Copilot integration highlighted as a flagship addition. Microsoft is touting Copilot’s ability to tap into contextual intelligence from across the web, users’ work data, and current PC activity to deliver more robust assistance.
Easy Access to Microsoft Copilot Via Taskbar and Keyboard Shortcut
Copilot can be conveniently summoned either through the Windows taskbar or by pressing the Win+C keyboard shortcut. This makes the AI assistant easily accessible anywhere within the Windows 11 environment.
Microsoft has confirmed that Copilot will be enabled by default for all users following the update. However, IT administrators will have the ability to utilize Intune policies or Group Policy to disable Copilot within managed enterprise environments if desired.
New Content Creation and Enhancement Capabilities
Beyond basic command execution, Microsoft Copilot allows leveraging natural language to perform more advanced tasks. For example, users can request Copilot’s assistance to efficiently summarize lengthy web articles, refine written content, and even generate images.
Microsoft is emphasizing how Copilot can enhance productivity by integrating these AI-powered capabilities directly into the Windows experience. Users won’t need to leave their workflow to utilize Copilot’s skills.
AI Upgrades Coming to Photos, Paint, Clipchamp and More
The 2023 Update also brings some impressive AI-enabled upgrades to various Microsoft first-party apps within Windows 11.
1. Paint Cocreator:
- Combining generative art and text-to-image capabilities, this tool generates images based on user-provided descriptions.
- Users can choose from various image styles and manage multiple canvas layers, allowing the creation of complex digital art.
2. AI-Based Background Blur in Photos:
- Photos now feature AI-powered background blur capabilities, allowing users to blur out backgrounds with a simple click.
- Users can also search their OneDrive photos based on content or location.
3. Auto-Compose Feature in Clipchamp:
- The Clipchamp video editor introduces a built-in AI tool that automatically generates content and edits videos.
- This tool offers suggestions for scenes, performs edits, and shapes narratives based on images and footage, resulting in professional-quality results.
Microsoft is clearly demonstrating how Copilot’s AI strengths can boost capabilities across core Windows apps and experiences. Microsoft Copilot is not just a standalone bot but rather a new layer of intelligence.
Enterprise Rollout Also On Track for November 2023
Alongside the consumer rollout, Microsoft 365 Copilot will reach general availability for commercial customers starting November 1, 2023. This coincides with the launch of Microsoft 365 Chat, an AI-powered virtual assistant.
The arrival of Microsoft Copilot and its deep integration across Windows 11 marks a major milestone in Microsoft’s AI strategy. With AI enhancements across the platform, Microsoft aims to showcase Copilot’s potential as a digital productivity booster.
