Windows Copilot is now available, but millions of users can't use it yet
Microsoft announced the fourth Moment update for Windows 11 officially on September 26, 2023. The update comes as part of the monthly preview update for the Windows 11 operating system and will be included for all users as part of the October 10, 2023 update for the operating system.
The update introduces several changes to the Windows 11 operating system, including a new backup app, redesigned File Explorer and loads of AI integrations. We mentioned the new Paint capabilities previously already that let users remove backgrounds and use layers.
Probably the biggest feature of Moment 4 is Windows Copilot. Announced in early 2023, Windows Copilot is an integrated AI assistant in Windows. While it includes all functionality of Bing Chat, it also includes assistive options specific to Windows.
My initial impression of Windows Copilot was that the Windows-specific functionality was lacking severely. Microsoft describes Windows Copilot as a tool that helps users accelerate tasks, reduce friction, save time, and also as a tool to provide users with "personalized answers, inspiration and task assistance".
The version of Windows Copilot that is included in Moment 4 for Windows 11 has not improved in this regard. It is unfortunate, as there is much potential in having an AI assistant that may help users troubleshoot issues, explain functionality or even connect them to support representatives.
Not all Windows 11 users, who have installed the optional preview update for the operating system, may use Windows Copilot at the time. While highlighted as the main feature of the update, it is in reality limited to select regions at the time of writing.
Microsoft uses a footnote to inform users about this. Not everyone is reading those, let alone Microsoft's announcement of the release.
Microsoft writes: "Copilot in Windows will start to release in preview to select global markets as part of our latest update to Windows 11. The initial markets for the Copilot in Windows preview include North America and parts of Asia and South America. It is our intention to add additional markets over time."
In other words, Windows Copilot is available for Windows 11 users who have installed the update and live in North America or select countries in Asia and South America. Microsoft fails to list countries. Copilot will become available in other "markets" over time, but it is unclear which markets Microsoft is targeting or when the feature will be rolled out to users in those markets.
Any Windows 11 user not living in the regions Copilot is available in won't be able to test the feature at this point. Copilot is still listed as "in preview" by Microsoft at the time of writing.
Windows 11 users may disable Windows Copilot, if they don't want to use it.
As a sidenote: I did get access to Windows Copilot on a Windows 11 system in Germany with the September 26th update installed.
Now You: what is your take on Copilot?
