Microsoft has announced plans to introduce its Copilot chatbot to Windows 10, with testing set to begin shortly. This move follows its earlier integration into Windows 11, the company’s latest operating system, introduced through an update on October 31st. Despite Windows 11’s presence, Windows 10 continues to dominate, holding approximately 68% of the market share among Windows PCs, compared to Windows 11’s 27%, according to estimates by StatCounter.
Similarities with ChatGPT
Copilot, an AI technology similar to the widely popular ChatGPT developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, aims to replicate its capabilities. ChatGPT, boasting 100 million weekly active users, employs generative AI to create text, images, and audio based on minimal human input, answering questions, summarizing documents, and even composing email drafts.
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, described Copilot as a potential “everyday AI companion” during an analyst conference call in October, emphasizing its role within Windows. However, the company is taking a cautious approach to its deployment within Windows 10, unlike its swifter integration into other Microsoft products like Bing, Edge browser, and Dynamics business software.
Aaron Woodman, a Microsoft vice president, highlighted the company’s focus on assessing differences between Copilot on Windows 10 and Windows 11, aiming to enhance its quality and performance. Microsoft has also tread carefully in introducing Copilot to its Office suite, recently making it available for Microsoft 365 subscriptions after an extended early access period.
Step by Step Rollout
The rollout of Copilot to Windows 10 will occur in stages, initially targeting PCs in the Release Preview Channel running Windows 10, version 22H2. It will be accessible only for Home and Pro editions initially, excluding PCs managed by organizations using Windows 10 Pro, enterprise, and education editions, according to a blog post by Microsoft.
Interested users can access Copilot through the Settings app by enabling the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” switch under Update & Security, followed by clicking the “Check for updates” button. Once installed, a new button will appear on the Windows taskbar, opening a chat window on the right side of the screen, resembling Copilot in Bing. However, its functionalities may be limited compared to Windows 11’s Copilot due to differences in system requirements and features.
Considering Windows 10’s support ends in October 2025, many organizations are expected to transition to Windows 11, indicating Copilot’s increasing significance in the evolving Microsoft ecosystem.
