Microsoft has released a series of new AI features for Windows 11 to make personal computers more conversational and capable of performing tasks autonomously.
The announcement, made on Thursday morning, highlights Microsoft’s plan to integrate voice control, vision tools, and AI-powered automation directly into its operating system.
A New Input Method
Microsoft is introducing a new wake phrase, “Hey Copilot.” This feature allows users to activate the AI assistant by voice.
Once triggered, the assistant can answer questions, complete basic tasks, and navigate the system.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s consumer chief marketing officer, described this shift as significant. He noted that voice will become a “third input mechanism” alongside the keyboard and mouse.
He emphasized that it will not replace existing tools but will work alongside them to improve user interaction.
This development brings Windows closer to the way people already interact with smartphones and smart speakers.
Also read: Microsoft Seeks Long-Term Access to OpenAI Technology
Copilot’s Capabilities
The company is extending Copilot Actions beyond the browser. With this update, the assistant can carry out actions across the PC, such as organizing files or launching applications.
Each action requires user approval to maintain control. The new functionality will first appear in Copilot Labs for Windows Insider participants.
Microsoft will begin with a limited set of actions and expand gradually over time.
Feature Updates
Several core parts of Windows 11 are also changing. The Windows taskbar now features Copilot in a more prominent position for quicker access to its voice and vision tools.
The search function has been redesigned to deliver faster and more relevant results across files, settings, and applications.
Microsoft is also launching Copilot Vision globally. This feature allows the assistant to interpret what is on the user’s screen.
It can then provide in-app support, including guidance for complex tasks or gameplay assistance.
In addition, Copilot now integrates more closely with File Explorer and cloud storage.
It can search for information inside files, emails, and online services without requiring users to open separate applications.
Microsoft’s Windows
Microsoft views these developments as part of a larger development. The company wants users to see their PCs not just as tools, but as intelligent collaborators.
Microsoft has already added AI to its Office products and cloud services. It plans to make AI an unavoidable part of daily computing by embedding these features directly into Windows.
This strategy also reflects Microsoft’s desire to lead the next platform transition. The company missed the smartphone era, losing ground to Apple and Google.
With AI now emerging as the next big thing, Microsoft intends to position Windows at the center of this change.
Security Framework
Allowing an AI to perform actions on a PC introduces security challenges. Microsoft says it has built a new security framework for Copilot Actions to address these concerns.
The feature is disabled by default. When enabled, it runs inside a separate, contained workspace with a dedicated user account.
This design restricts access to sensitive files and helps protect user data.
Compatibility
Last year, Microsoft introduced Copilot+ PCs, which feature Neural Processing Units (NPUs) designed for AI workloads.
However, the rollout faced delays, particularly with the “Recall” feature, which was postponed due to privacy concerns.
The new AI features will work on all Windows 11 devices, not only those with NPUs. Microsoft maintains that it is not abandoning the Copilot+ strategy.
Instead, it is expanding AI capabilities to reach a wider audience. Copilot+ PCs will still receive exclusive features, including a “Click to Do” function for scheduling Zoom meetings through Copilot.
Encouraging Upgrades
The timing of the announcement is notable. Microsoft has recently ended support for Windows 10, which was first released in 2015.
By introducing these AI features, the company hopes to encourage users still on older systems to upgrade to newer hardware running Windows 11.
