Microsoft wants Copilot to automatically open at startup on Windows 11 PCs with wide screens
A new default Windows setting will automatically show the Copilot interface when booting a PC with a wide screen. But aren’t most PC screens wide?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Microsoft is back with a newWindows 11preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel, andthis week’s buildis testing a controversial change that will see the Windows Copilot interface automatically launch upon boot on PCs with wide screens. The company says it’s “trying out” this behavior in the latest build, meaning it isn’t guaranteed to ship.
If it does ship, users will have the choice to disable this behavior on their PC. Insiders who install today’s build may not even see the change just yet, as it’s rolling out in waves so not everyone will have it right away.
Here is what the official Microsoft blog says about this feature:
“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.”
Frustratingly, Microsoft doesn’t specify what counts as a “wide screen” for this behavior to take effect. Does it include 16:9 and 16:10 displays, or is it only for true ultrawide displays such as 21:9? We don’t currently know.
Having the Windows Copilot automatically appear when powering on a PC feels unnecessary currently, but this is likely laying the foundation for a much larger update to Copilot that is rumored to be in the works for thenext major version of the Windows OS.
Microsoft is rumored to be working on an advanced Copilot that will enhance productivity across apps, files, and search. Maybe users will want to have that version of the Copilot run automatically on start-up. As things currently stand, however, this seems like something that’s just going to annoy most users.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch onTwitterandThreads
