Microsoft is launching a native Copilot application for Windows, as announced by the company on Tuesday. Made available for testers enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, it replaces the progressive web app (PWA) that was in use until now. According to Microsoft, the native Copilot for Windows app is being provided as an update, after which it will show up in the system tray. Recently, the company has introduced numerous features for Copilot, including Copilot Vision and AI-powered Recall — both of which are currently in preview.
Native Copilot App Rolls Out
In a blog article, Microsoft explained the features of the new native Copilot app. It features a new quick view capability, allowing users to access the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot through keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 and 11 PCs. Users can toggle the quick view on or off by pressing Alt + Space, and it can also be resized or moved. The company states that users can return to the primary Copilot app window by clicking the icon located at the top-left corner of the quick view window.
This shortcut utilizes the RegisterHotKey function, according to Microsoft. The company mentions that numerous applications, including Copilot, employ this shortcut key. Therefore, the application that is either launched first on the PC or running in the background will be activated by using the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut.
Alternatively, users with PCs equipped with a dedicated Copilot key can use it to swiftly bring the AI chatbot onto the screen. The company plans to explore additional options regarding the keyboard shortcuts for the app in the future.
Microsoft also states that its native Copilot app is being rolled out on Insider Channels through the Microsoft Store. It updates the app version to 1. 24112. 123. 0 and above. However, the rollout is gradual, so not all Windows Insiders may experience it immediately. It could take several days for broader visibility.
