Microsoft has begun testing a change to Windows 11 that will see its AI-powered Copilot feature open automatically when Windows is launched on “widescreen devices.” The change is being tested as part of Microsoft’s latest Dev Channel preview of Windows 11, which allows Windows testers to provide feedback before a wider rollout.
“We try to automatically open Copilot when Windows is launched on widescreen devices with some Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel” Microsoft says in a blog post. The company doesn’t say exactly what a “widescreen” device is, but the Windows 11 setting itself says that Copilot will open automatically “when you’re using a wider screen.” So I’m assuming it’s limited to ultra-wide monitors and less traditional desktop resolutions, but I’ve asked Microsoft to clarify and will update you accordingly.
Either way, it’s another way Microsoft is testing AI technology that will draw criticism from Windows users, and another thing you’ll need to disable in Windows if Microsoft goes ahead with this change. It’s also not too different from the aggressive push of Microsoft Edge in Windows 11, which automatically launches instead of your default browser if you use Windows Widgets or Windows Search.
This latest Kopilot change comes just days after Microsoft announced a new Kopilot key for Windows PCs and laptops that, when pressed, launches the same chatbot-like experience. Laptop manufacturers such as Dell and Lenovo have already unveiled laptops with the new Copilot key, and more are expected to arrive in the coming months.
Microsoft is also set to add more customization options to Copilot within Windows soon. User X (formerly Twitter). Albacore discovered A selection of unannounced chat providers suggests that Microsoft could open Copilot up to third-party plugins or chatbots within Windows.