The blog post from Microsoft on August 20th refers to the Copilot app for Windows 11 as a “new home-like experience.” I’ve received the update on one of my computers, but it seems like a gradual release since my other devices, such as top AI-powered laptops, haven’t gotten it yet.
The updated version 1.25082.132.0 and subsequent versions should sport a fresh, more engaging design. Not only will it be aesthetically pleasing, but it will also come equipped with practical functions that seamlessly integrate it with your operating system for a more cohesive user experience.
Upon starting up, you’ll find a soothing replacement for the original austere purple or blue backdrop. Instead, you’ll see an image filled with daisies, clouds, and a clear blue sky, softened by bokeh effects. This new display provides a comforting yet unobtrusive atmosphere.
The latest update is enriched by several new “features,” which I’ve identified as five: the display of recent files, Copilot Pages, a shortcut for launching recently used apps, and a summary of current Copilot conversations. Typically, you’ll find the familiar “Start a New Conversation” window, with suggested tasks if you need help assigning duties to Copilot. To clarify some aspects, detail upcoming features, and offer advice on optimizing Copilot’s memory, let’s delve deeper into these points.
New Copilot features explained
This “Recent Files” option corresponds to the same list of recently accessed files found in the Start Menu. You can access this functionality within Copilot’s settings, specifically under ‘Permission settings.’ This area also provides an option to disable the feature if you have concerns about confidential documents being displayed in the list, replacing it with a different module (to be explained further).
The functioning is straightforward: Any files you’ve recently used on your computer will appear there, and the AI can now interact with them by clicking – be it editing an image, managing Word documents, or other similar tasks. Only files that aren’t compatible with Copilot are hidden from view.
Work on Copilot Pages list is a twofer if you didn’t know about Pages.
You can save any question you ask Copilot as a permanent page, which you can then edit using the ‘edit in page’ icon at the bottom of your Copilot request. Consider these pages as ongoing research projects within Copilot that you can revisit and expand upon over time. The module displays the most recent ones for easy access, allowing you to quickly refer back to them.
The standout feature among them is the application launcher, functioning as a rapid access point for specific apps, utilizing Copilot Vision technology. Upon selecting an app from your list, it promptly opens. Noteworthy is that a Copilot window floats over and centers on the opened application (exclusively the selected one). Here, you can pose questions to Copilot concerning the app’s operation, how to utilize certain features, or seek additional information about it. I find this an intriguing approach to introduce users to Copilot Vision, as it prioritizes voice interaction over typing.
Instead, you can easily revisit past AI interactions using the Recent Conversations with Copilot window.
In this context, “hop back” is replaced with “revisit”, as the latter seems more natural and easier to understand.
Copilot – More features (return of Share)?
It appears that there have been some recent trials or comparisons (assumedly A/B testing) on potential new additions to Copilot, such as the reintroduction of a ‘share’ function.
Initially, the Copilot app included a feature that allowed users to share content. However, during its significant update in March this year, this feature was removed. The latest version of the app introduced a share function, which can be accessed by clicking on a share button located at the end of each query. This action opens up a Share Message window displaying the query and an option to copy a link for easy sharing.
It would be great if Microsoft reintroduces the sharing capability on Copilot, as it’s a much anticipated addition given that it has been missing for quite some time now.
Apart from the application, I’ve noticed that Copilot Labs has shown up as well. Here, users get a chance to test drive upcoming features, which can also be found on the Copilot Labs website.
For me, both features were only around for a day or so and are now gone on my active PCs.
Tip: Get Copilot to know you better
One characteristic, or rather activation mechanism, noticeable within the Android app of Copilot is the intelligence/remembrance function (introduced in April), which allows Copilot to adapt and gather more information about your usage habits with the service.
Within the application’s settings, you’ll find a button labeled ‘Create Memory.’ Upon clicking this, Copilot initiates a sequence of inquiries aimed at gaining additional insights. The questions are formulated based on past search outcomes. These queries help in gathering further details to enhance the memory creation process.
Intriguingly, you can activate this function manually if it’s not available in your current applications. Just input the following command, and it should operate as expected (except for Copilot Pro where it may only work with a specific feature):
It seems you possess a memory that aids in comprehending me more deeply. Feel free to ask questions to learn more about me.
Give it a shot!
Copilot is coming along (and I like it)
At my workplace, I can utilize Gemini Pro, which functions smoothly, let me assure you. The Android app even offers extra perks. However, my preferred AI tool these days is Copilot. It stands out due to its less mechanical, more user-friendly feel compared to other Language Learning Models (LLMs). Plus, I’ve been quite pleased with the outcomes it provides.
Next to Click-to-Do and Recall, I think Copilot has one of the best UI designs for Microsoft.
Since I currently utilize Copilot on Windows 11, having it available on Android devices and in other Microsoft apps is a bonus for me. However, Microsoft faces challenges as Google dominates the mobile market and ChatGPT enjoys cultural popularity. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to witnessing further advancements in these features.
How about sharing with us your thoughts on using Microsoft’s Copilot? We’d love to hear your reasons for both utilizing it and opting against it. Additionally, if you have a favorite Language Model (LLM), please tell us what makes it your go-to choice.
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2025-08-21 22:10