Microsoft Copilot is about to receive a massive update on Windows 11 — here’s what’s on the way and how to try out the new features today
Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels can test out a more powerful and capable Copilot on Windows 11.
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What you need to know
Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 Build 26080 to Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels today. This is quite a sizeable update, so we’ve split our coverage of the build. Microsoft unveiled aunified Teams app for Windowsthat supports both work and personal accounts, which our Senior Editor Zac Bowden covered. I’ll focus on the several changes that are now in testing for Copilot, plus all the other changes seen in Windows 11 Build 26080.
Canary vs Dev Channels
Before diving deeper into what’s new for Copilot, there are some quick details to run through. Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26080 rolled out to both the Canary and Dev Channels today. Insiders can update their PCs through the Windows Settings app or grabISOs for the buildfrom Microsoft. Those in the Canary Channel will receive Build 26080.1000, while those in the Dev Channel will get Build 26080.1100.
The builds that are available for the Canary and Dev Channels are exactly the same, though certain features may be enabled or disabled depending on your Insider ring. The actual code of the builds shipping to both channels is the same.
Microsoft notes that the Dev and Canary Channels receiving the same build is only temporary. In the future the company will give people a chance to switch from the Canary Channel to the Dev Channel and then move the Canary Channel to a higher build.
What’s new for Copilot
Microsoft started testing a new runtime for Copilot in Windows that allows you to manage more settings on your PC through Copilot. For example, you can enable additional accessibility features now. Additionally, Microsoft is working on the option to use Power Automate Desktop through Copilot. Those new capabilities for Copilot werealready available to some Insiders, but they’re now rolling out to more Insiders in the Canary Channel and to the Dev Channel.
The expansion of Copilot’s capabilities will make the AI tool much more useful and feel less like a shortcut to your web browser.
Microsoft is also rolling out the option to switch Copilot between a docked experience and as its own window. This makes Copilot feel more like its own application, which may be the preferred way to use the AI tool for some.
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The updates that are now in testing and thefree version of Copilot switching to GPT-4 Turbocombine to make a massive update for Copilot on Windows.
Here are all of the improvements to Copilot and the rest of the changes in the latest Insider build, asoutlined by Microsoft.
Improvements to Copilot in Windows* now rolling out to more Windows Insiders
We have been trying out a new runtime for Copilot in Windows* that allows you to manage more settings via Copilot, including accessibility-focused settings, and use Power Automate Desktop through Copilot!We are now rolling out these Copilot in Windows improvements to more Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel (whichfirst began rolling out on 2/20) and beginning to roll these improvements out to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.
More built-in capabilities via Copilot in Windows
Try asking Copilot to turn on Narrator or Live Captions, turn on battery saver, show you available networks, even empty your recycle bin or clean up your storage. Here’s the full list of things you can ask Copilot to do!
New with this update:
Try accessibility features:
Already live, now on the new runtime:
Introducing Power Automate via Copilot in Windows
Power Automate is a low-code automation solution that is part of the Power Platform. We’re excited to introduce the Power Automate plugin in Copilot in Windows. This first release of the plugin offers automation features for Excel, PDF manipulation and file management.
To use the plugin, download or update Power Automate Desktop to the latest version from theMicrosoft Store. Currently plugins are only accessible if you are signed in to Copilot in Windows with a Microsoft account.
After you have Power Automate installed and you activate the plugin in the plugins section in Copilot in Windows, you can ask for tasks such as:
Do you want to share your feedback on the Power Automate plugin or do you have other automation scenarios that you would like us to support? Feel free to contact us: powerautomate-ai@microsoft.com.
Changes and Improvements
Copilot in Windows
Taskbar & System Tray
File Explorer
Windows Update
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
