Microsoft wants to automatically launch its Copilot AI on some Windows 11 devices

Microsoft has started testing a change to Windows 11 that will see its AI-powered Copilot feature automatically open when Windows starts on “widescreen devices.” The change is being tested as part of Microsoft’s latest Dev Channel preview of Windows 11, allowing Windows testers to provide feedback ahead of a broader rollout.

“We are trying out opening Copilot automatically when Windows starts on widescreen devices with some Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel,” says Microsoft in a blog post. The company doesn’t make it clear what exactly a “widescreen” device is, but the Windows 11 setting itself says Copilot will automatically open “when you’re using a wider screen.” So I’m assuming this is limited to ultrawide monitors and less traditional desktop resolutions, but I’ve asked Microsoft to clarify and will update you accordingly.

Either way, it’s another method for Microsoft to try and push its AI technology that will likely draw criticism from Windows users, and yet another thing you might have to disable in Windows if Microsoft proceeds with this change. It’s also not too dissimilar to the aggressive push of Microsoft Edge inside Windows 11, which is automatically launched instead of your default browser if you use Windows Widgets or the Windows Search function.

This latest Copilot change comes just days after Microsoft announced a new Copilot key for Windows PCs and laptops, which when pressed launches this same chatbot-like experience. Laptop manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo have already unveiled laptops with the new Copilot key, and more are expected to follow in the coming months.

Microsoft also looks set to add more customization options to Copilot inside Windows soon. X (formerly Twitter) user Albacore has discovered an unannounced chat providers option, suggesting that Microsoft might open Copilot up to third-party plug-ins or chatbots inside Windows.