Windows 11’s New Copilot Button: Unwanted Feature or Hidden Gem?
▼ Summary
– A new “Share with Copilot” button appears in Windows 11 Insider Preview when hovering over taskbar apps.
– This feature allows users to share window contents with Copilot Vision for AI-powered analysis and discussion.
– Copilot Vision scans on-screen content to provide context, identification, and tutorials about displayed items.
– Microsoft is testing this feature but may remove it before the final release based on user feedback.
– This addition continues Microsoft’s pattern of integrating Copilot across multiple Windows applications and interfaces.
Navigating the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview reveals a subtle yet potentially powerful addition: a new Copilot button that appears when hovering over open applications in the taskbar. This feature, dubbed “Share with Copilot,” allows users to send window contents directly to Microsoft’s AI for analysis and discussion. Whether you’re trying to identify players in a sports celebration or learn more about a piece of art you photographed, this tool aims to provide instant contextual insights without leaving your workflow.
The button integrates seamlessly into the window preview interface, inviting interaction with just a click. Once activated, Copilot Vision scans the displayed content, processes it, and opens a conversational interface where users can ask follow-up questions or request tutorials based on what’s on screen. It’s designed to make AI assistance more contextual and immediately accessible, reducing the need for manual input or switching between apps.
Despite its potential utility, the reception among Windows users has been mixed. Many feel that Microsoft is overloading the interface with Copilot integrations, from dedicated keyboard keys to embedded buttons in apps like Paint and Notepad. The abundance of AI prompts can feel intrusive rather than helpful, especially for those who prefer a cleaner, less assisted computing experience.
It’s worth noting that this feature is still in the testing phase. Microsoft has explicitly stated that it is evaluating user feedback and may choose to remove or refine the capability before a general release. For now, it remains an experimental tool aimed at exploring how deeply AI can be woven into everyday operating system interactions.
(Source: The Verge)
