Ask Copilot" is coming to your Taskbar (but only if you want it to)

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 called Ask Copilot, designed to make your taskbar smarter and more intuitive. Traditionally, the taskbar search box only locates files, apps, and settings. Ask Copilot takes this further by using AI to understand your intent and help you complete tasks directly.

Instead of returning a list of results, Copilot can act—opening files, adjusting settings, or providing quick answers. For example, you could type:

• “Open the invoice template I used last month”

• “Connect to the projector”

• “How do I split this PDF?”

  
  

Additional icons provide one-click access to Copilot Vision (for interpreting on-screen content) and voice commands for hands-free interaction.

The feature is optional. You can enable it under Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. If you prefer the classic search, nothing changes.

Microsoft emphasizes that Ask Copilot does not access extra data—it uses the same permissions as Windows Search. The benefit? Time and focus. Your team spends less time searching and more time working productively.

Currently, Ask Copilot is available in preview builds, with a wider rollout expected soon. Will you enable it or stick with traditional search? The choice is yours.