When Windows users start their PCs, they may soon see the interface of Windows Copilot as the system loads the desktop. Microsoft has released a new build to the Dev channel to test the feature on specific setups.
Announced yesterday on the Windows Insider Blog, the new feature configures Copilot to launch automatically on Windows start. The test is currently limited to devices with widescreen monitors.
Microsoft shared the following announcement: “We are trying out opening Copilot automatically when Windows starts on widescreen devices with some Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. This can be managed via Settings > Personalization > Copilot. Note that this is rolling out, so not all Insiders in the Dev Channel will see this right away.”
Users have the option to disable the autostart of Windows Copilot on their devices. However, the feature is enabled by default and needs to be manually deactivated by users. Additionally, the behavior cannot be controlled via Task Manager > Startup apps; instead, users need to find the new Copilot preference in Settings to do so.
Microsoft continues its practice of introducing new locations for certain preferences on Windows rather than using traditional ones.
To toggle the functionality, open Start > Settings and go to Personalization > Copilot in Windows. There you will find “Open Copilot when Windows starts.” Simply toggle the feature off to disable it.
Note that users may also disable Copilot in Windows completely, which will also prevent it from auto-starting with Windows.
Microsoft has not provided an explanation for integrating the autostart of Copilot in Windows. The change will likely increase exposure for the AI tool, which Microsoft is incorporating into many of its products at this time. Even Notepad is getting an AI component, and there seems to be no end to AI integration announcements in the near future.
Although Copilot in Windows is not yet the tool that many Windows users might hope it would be, it essentially functions as an integrated version of Bing Chat with a small amount of Windows controls added. There are communication lags due to the requirement of internet connectivity and communication with Microsoft servers. It could improve over time, particularly if Microsoft manages to incorporate a locally-run component.
The new Windows build also introduces support for 80 Gbps USB, preparing the operating system for the “first major version update of the USB4 standard” according to Microsoft.
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