Exploring Copilot: Windows 11’s Generative AI Assistant and Its Capabilities

Global Trend Watch
5 min readNov 5, 2023

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source: Microsoft

Despite concerns, generative AI, which creates text and images from prompts, is increasingly integrated into our daily tech. Microsoft, for example, recently incorporated AI chatbot features into Bing and is offering a preview of its new Copilot AI assistant in Windows 11. Microsoft’s Copilot is designed to enhance creativity and productivity, similar to Bing’s chatbot, capable of generating travel advice or original poetry.

To access Copilot on Windows 11, ensure that you have the most recent OS version. To check, navigate to Settings and select Windows Update (you may need to enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch).

By default, you’ll find a Copilot button on the taskbar, which you can click to open (if you wish to modify this, visit Settings, then Personalization, and Taskbar).

You can also launch Copilot using the Win+C keyboard shortcut or through the Start menu.

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A Powerful Engine that Generates Images and Text

Microsoft via: David Nield

New to generative AI? Copilot is your gateway. Command it to compose a poem, an introduction, or email content. Select conversation styles like “Creative,” “Balanced,” or “Precise” for varied responses.

Beyond text, ask Copilot questions. It fetches info from Bing and the web for sightseeing, recipes, and DIY tips. Responses come with source links, enhancing your experience.

Following each Copilot response, you’ll receive suggested conversation paths or can craft your own follow-up queries. To reset the conversation, click the “New topic” button (the blue bubble) at the bottom. Additionally, hovering the cursor over any Copilot output enables you to copy the text and provide feedback on the quality of the response.

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Notably, Copilot extends its capabilities to coding. Specify the code’s purpose and language preference, and Copilot will furnish you with formatted code that can be easily copied and pasted elsewhere. You can also request modifications and adjustments to the initial code response, streamlining your coding tasks.

Microsoft via: David Nield

Copilot has the capacity to generate images as well. Thanks to its integration with Dall-E, you can instruct Copilot to create an image based on your preferences, including the subject and style. After a brief moment, Copilot will present you with four image options, along with suggestions for fine-tuning the output. You can modify elements within the image, such as adding or removing objects or adjusting colors.

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To view the images at their full size and download them, simply click on them. Notably, these links will open in a web browser, underlining Copilot’s close connection with Bing Chat. Moreover, there’s an “Add an image” button in the input box, allowing you to upload your own images. Copilot can provide information about the image’s contents or utilize it as a foundation for generating a new image. This versatile feature enhances your creative options with Copilot.

Specific Fuctions for Windows 11

Everything we’ve covered so far aligns with the capabilities of Bing Chat on the web, and what truly distinguishes Copilot is its seamless integration with the Windows 11 operating system. It’s important to note that this functionality is the most recent addition and is still in the process of refinement, considering you’re using an early preview version of Copilot.

Among Copilot’s fundamental functions is the ability to launch applications on your behalf. Simply type “open” followed by the app’s name, and your command is executed (though you will encounter a confirmation dialogue, which may seem redundant). Alternatively, you can click the microphone icon in the input box to dictate your requests, which may offer a more convenient way to interact with Copilot.

Microsoft via: David Nield

In addition to launching the designated apps, Copilot can provide instructions on how to use them or assist with troubleshooting issues. When you open a program in Windows 11, you’ll notice several helpful suggestions in this regard, making it a valuable means of exploring the functionalities of specific software tools.

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Furthermore, Copilot supports a variety of Windows 11 commands. For instance, you can try “mute volume,” although this method may seem somewhat elaborate compared to the simplicity of tapping an icon or pressing a keyboard button for the same action. As before, you’ll encounter a prompt dialog on the screen to ensure that the AI bot accurately comprehends your intentions.

Microsoft via: David Nield

Other commands that work include “turn on do not disturb” and “turn on dark mode,” which both save you a trip through the Settings screens. Speaking of Settings, you can ask Copilot to bring up a particular options screen — relating to Wi-Fi, for example, or changing the configuration of the Start menu — and it’ll appear in a second or two (together with related instructions about how to use it).

What Copilot can’t do yet is much inside your programs — even the ones developed by Microsoft. For it to be a truly useful digital AI assistant, it would be helpful for it to be able to view and manipulate elements inside apps: Right now, this only works with Edge, and you can enable this by clicking the three dots (top right), then Settings, and turning on the Let Copilot in Windows use Microsoft Edge content toggle switch.

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