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Will Microsoft’s controversial new Copilot search bar actually make your life easier?
Microsoft is testing a change to the search bar on the Windows 11 taskbar. The familiar search tool may soon be replaced by a new feature called Ask Copilot. This update aims to bring artificial intelligence directly into your daily computer tasks. It is currently being tested by a small group of users called Windows Insiders before it becomes available to everyone.
Understanding the ‘Ask Copilot’ Feature
Think of Ask Copilot as your old search bar combined with a smart assistant. When you type something, it still finds your apps, files, and computer settings just like before. At the same time, the Copilot AI tries to understand what you want to do and offers help. The goal is to make the taskbar a more dynamic and helpful starting point for your work.
This new tool adds a few key functions:
- AI-Powered Search: It provides the same local search results you are used to but adds Copilot’s understanding to give you better web answers.
- Copilot Voice: A new button will let you speak your questions or commands directly to Copilot without typing.
- Copilot Vision: Another new button will let you share what’s on your screen with Copilot to ask questions about it.
- File Uploads: A planned feature will allow you to upload files directly into the Ask Copilot window to work on them.
How Your Privacy Is Handled
A major concern with AI is privacy. Microsoft has stated that Ask Copilot will not look at your personal files when you search for them. The feature uses the same secure and private system that the old Windows Search used to find things on your computer or OneDrive. Your local files, documents, and pictures are not scanned or seen by the Copilot AI during a standard file search.
What to Expect Right Now
The Ask Copilot feature is still in development, so not everything works perfectly yet. Testers have found that the new search window is smaller, cleaner, and opens slightly faster than the old one. Searching for local files and apps works well. However, the new Copilot Voice and Vision buttons do not work as intended yet. Clicking them currently just opens the main Copilot application. Microsoft is still working to get these features running directly from the taskbar.
You Remain in Control
This new feature is completely optional. When it becomes available, it will be turned off by default. You can choose to turn it on if you want to try it. If you decide you don’t like it, you can easily switch back to the classic Windows Search bar. You can find this option in your computer’s settings under Personalization and then Taskbar. This ensures you have the final say on how your taskbar looks and works.