News that Windows 11 Insiders will love! Microsoft Copilot is receiving a significant update that adds a slew of new features and functionalities. With the release of Windows 11 Build 26080 today, Copilot receives major improvements that strengthen and expand its usefulness as an AI tool for everyday tasks.
Canary and Dev Channels Receive the Update
Prior to getting into the specifics, let’s explain how the updates are distributed. The Windows Insider Program’s Canary and Dev Channels are both offering Build 26080. Insiders can download ISOs straight from Microsoft or use the Windows Settings app to get the upgrade. Users on the Canary Channel receive build 26080.1000, while those on the Dev Channel receive build 26080.1100. These are minor differences in build numbers. The essential functionality stay the same, while certain Insider rings may have different aspects activated or disabled. It’s crucial to remember that Microsoft makes it clear that this is a transient circumstance. In the future, the business intends to provide Insiders the choice to switch from Canary to Dev, with a higher build number eventually going to the Canary Channel.
Copilot Gets Smarter and More Manageable
The Microsoft Copilot enhancements are the most notable. The AI tool is getting a major update that will enable it to do more than just basic jobs and site searches. The main improvements are broken down as follows:
- Manage More Settings Directly: You may now control different PC settings with Copilot. Imagine using Copilot to request information about available networks, activate power saver mode, or enable accessibility capabilities like Narrator or Live Captions. This gives you more efficient control over your PC’s settings without the need to go through menus.
- Power Automate Desktop Integration: Great news for fans of automation! Power Automate Desktop, a low-code automation tool, now interfaces with Copilot. You can use this integration to start automated tasks with Copilot. You can ask Copilot to write an email, make an Excel list, arrange your files, or even work with PDFs. The options are endless, making tedious work easier.
(Image Credit: Microsoft)
Improved User Experience with Docking and Resizing
Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out a more customizable Copilot experience. You can now alternate between the following two modes:
- Docked Mode: This is the current behavior in which Copilot stays affixed to your desktop’s side.
- Windowed Mode: A recently added functionality that lets you use Copilot like a separate application window. For a more customized arrangement, you can resize and move it around your screen. This meets the needs of users who would rather engage with Copilot via a more autonomous window-based method.
Additional Changes and Improvements
In addition to the improvements for Copilot, Build 26080 brings about a number of additional significant changes:
- Faster Live Caption Access: With a separate fast setting, Taskbar users can now access live captions more quickly. Simply click the quick settings icon in the system tray, navigate to the live captions setting, and flip it.
- Enhanced Taskbar Progress Bar: A refresh in design has made it easier to see the progress bars that appear beneath app icons on the taskbar and Start menu.
- Improved File Conflict Management: Conflicting filenames can now be handled more easily by extracting files. For each dispute that arises during the procedure, you have the option to select a single action (skip or replace).
- Streamlined Windows Update History: Insiders can no longer see the “What’s New” link in Windows Update history. This data is currently only accessible on Windows versions that have been released. Insiders who follow the official Microsoft blog will be able to continue receiving updates on new features.
How to Try the New Copilot Features
You can test out these new capabilities directly if you’re a Windows Insider in the Canary or Dev Channel. To upgrade your computer, just use the Windows Settings application. Make sure to use the new features to your full potential and share your thoughts via the Feedback Hub. Your opinions will be very important in determining how Copilot develops going forward.
The Future of Copilot: A Powerful AI Assistant
Microsoft Copilot has advanced significantly with the most recent release. Copilot’s enhanced usability and augmented capabilities establish it as a more potent AI assistant that may go beyond a straightforward web search engine. Using Power Automate, managing settings, and providing a more adaptable structure, Copilot can improve productivity and expedite workflows for Windows 11 users.
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