Windows is changing – from an operating system to a digital partner with artificial intelligence. Are you ready to tell your computer, "Do what you want"?
When Microsoft is closing the door on Windows 10—the system that (at least in the ads) is “the last one we’ll ever need”—and while celebrating the 40th anniversary of Windows—it’s opening a new chapter with artificial intelligence at its heart. If you’ve been waiting for Windows 12—not yet. Instead, we’re looking at an upgrade from Windows 11 to the so-called AI PC, where everything – literally everything – will be powered by Co-pilotAnd no, this isn't a new assistant in a flight simulator, but a digital assistant that's set to change the way we use computers.
“We are on the threshold of a new evolution – where AI is not just a chatbot, but becomes part of hundreds of millions of everyday experiences,” explains Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's vice president of consumer technology, in an interview with The Verge.
“Our vision? Let's rewrite the entire operating system around artificial intelligence and create a true AI PC.”
In other words: Microsoft wants you to talk to your computer, and it should – with your blessing – act on your behalf. Welcome to the age of computer telepathy (with a little microphone and a lot of data in between).
“Hey, Copilot!” – your new digital assistant is listening
The biggest change Microsoft is introducing is the integration of artificial intelligence directly in Windows 11 – without the need to buy a separate Copilot Plus computer. The voice command “Hey, Copilot!” now launches an assistant that will (at least in theory) understand what you want and do what you need.
“Voice will become the third major way to interact with a computer,” says Mehdi.
“It doesn’t replace the keyboard or mouse, but it adds a new dimension – and that will be a big leap.”
Microsoft clearly wants us to start talking to our devices like in some futuristic sci-fi movie. If you just remembered Cortana (and that uncomfortable feeling when she just started talking on her own) – you're not alone.
But this time it's supposed to be different. Better. Smarter. Louder? Maybe.
But wait – haven't we tried this already?
Yes, Microsoft has already tried to convince us to talk to our computers. Cortana in Windows 10 was supposed to be the “assistant of the future,” but it quickly landed among digital retirees. Plus, Windows has offered speech features for decades, mostly for accessibility purposes. But did it catch on? Meh.
This time, however, it is supposed to be different – at least according to the information provided by Mehdi:
“All our data shows that people love using voice.”
And as proof, he cites the billions of minutes users spend in Microsoft Teams meetings (although – let’s be honest – talking through computer, doesn't mean we want to talk with them).
Copilot Vision: your computer will see what you see
If AI is to act on your behalf, it needs to know what you are doing. This is where it comes in. Copilot Vision, a feature that – with your permission – stream the contents of your screen, like sharing your screen in Teams. This way, AI can understand what app you’re using, what you’re looking at, and help you—whether it’s editing a document, solving a bug, or explaining what the heck that weird system setting means.
Copilot Vision is now available in all countries where Copilot is active. Among other things, it can help you:
- helps with using applications,
- answers questions about images and documents,
- offers guided advice on games (!),
- and even solve basic technical problems.
An important difference from the notorious Recall (which automatically memorized everything that was displayed on your screen last year) is that Vision opt-in. If you don't allow it, Copilot sees nothing. If you do... it sees everything.
Copilot Actions: your new digital assistant also measures
The next big news is Copilot Actions – functionality that allows AI to take control and perform tasks on your computer. From organizing folders, editing photos to tasks that you can usually do yourself in three clicks – but why would you if someone (or something) can do it for you?
For now, it's a preview version that Microsoft is testing with select users. And, as Navjot Virk, vice president of Windows experience, admits:
“In the beginning, you can expect the agent to make some mistakes or have difficulty using complex applications.”
Translated: don't expect flawless performance. But hey, we humans make mistakes...
Copilot Actions run in a separate, protected environment in Windows. It happens in the background while you do other things – or watch with interest as the AI follows instructions and records every step. So that no one can say it's doing something on its own.
Copilot in the taskbar + redesigned search engine
Microsoft integrates Copilot tightly into Windows 11 itself: taskbar now offers quick access to all features – Copilot Vision, Voice and Actions – along with a new, improved search engine. The goal is to find everything – files, apps, settings – with fewer clicks and more artificial intelligence.
Anyone who has ever wished their computer would just know where that "folder with stuff" is, now finally gets their chance. Or at least a good search.
Will Microsoft succeed in convincing users to trust AI?
After last year's fiasco with Recall, where Microsoft has crossed the line of user trust, it will take a lot of effort (and some really good ads) to convince people to let Copilot “watch and work” again. But Microsoft is holding out. It’s launching a new advertising campaign with a catchy slogan:
“Meet the computer you can talk to.”
The ads come as official support for Windows 10 is ending, and Microsoft is once again promoting the upgrade to Windows 11 – this time with the promise that your PC is no longer just a tool, but partnerOr as Mehdi says:
“We want every user to feel what it means to have a computer that is not just a device – but a true partner.”
Conclusion: The computer as a collaborator, not a replacement (at least not yet)
With this move, Microsoft is introducing not just a new feature, but a whole new philosophy of using a computer. Talking to the device. Letting it see what we're looking at. And asking it to take action for us.
- Is this convenient? Undoubtedly.
- Is it a little scary? Absolutely.
- Is this the future? If you ask Microsoft – this is not the future, this is the present.
For now, your Copilot should be primarily a helper. Until he asks you: “Do you want me to take control?” …That’s when you might miss Cortana for the first time.
