The Promising Future of Microsoft's AI Copilot and its Challenges

• Microsoft
• Copilot

Microsoft is making strides towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in daily computing with the introduction of its AI-powered Windows Copilot. The tech giant envisions Copilot as a universal assistant integral to Windows 11 and its apps and features. Built on Microsoft's AI-assisted tech and Bing Chat, which incorporates the renowned ChatGPT, Copilot is poised to revolutionize how users interact with their Windows devices.

"AI Copilot - Your everyday AI companion in Windows 11."

Global Availability of Copilot

However, a significant challenge lies in the availability of Copilot. Copilot is only accessible in the United States, the UK, Asia and South America, and North America. Due to the European Union's stringent privacy protection regulations, Europe is a glaring absence from this list. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and is reportedly developing a version of Copilot that will comply with EU laws. The company plans to extend its availability to other markets gradually.

How to Access Windows Copilot

If you reside in a region where Copilot has been rolled out, you can obtain it by updating your Windows 11 to the Moment 4 (22H2) feature update. This update is optional and can be found in the Windows Update app, provided you've activated the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" setting. If you are still waiting to see the Moment 4 update, it could be due to Copilot being available in your area later.

There is a workaround for those living in unsupported regions to get Copilot. Windows Copilot can be launched by creating a specific file, changing its properties, and making a shortcut. However, this method should be considered cautiously and understood.

The Current State of Copilot

Currently, Copilot operates similarly to Bing Chat on Windows 11. It functions within WebView, the framework that allows apps to display native content in Microsoft's Edge browser. While it's still early days for Copilot as a full-fledged AI assistant, users are excited about its potential despite acknowledging areas for improvement. Reports indicate buggy performance and difficulties achieving valuable results, especially when users switch between Bing Search and other apps or submit multiple prompts.

Microsoft has assured users that future versions of Copilot will deliver on its promises, offering deeper integration with Windows and access to third-party apps and plugins.

Looking Towards the Future

Microsoft's vision for Copilot is to be "Your everyday AI companion," and they seem to be able to realize this vision. However, the path to success is with obstacles. The recent discontinuation of Cortana, Microsoft's previous digital assistant, demonstrates the challenges of maintaining and improving such technology. Furthermore, competition is intensifying, with Amazon investing in AI companies like Anthropic and maintaining a solid presence in the market with its digital assistant, Alexa.

Despite these challenges, Microsoft's AI Copilot holds excellent promise. Its potential to transform Windows 11 and become an integral part of the user experience is significant. With continued improvements and global expansion, Copilot could become a defining feature of Microsoft's operating system.