Microsoft is overhauling the Copilot experience on Windows once again, marking the latest shift in its strategy for integrating the AI assistant into its operating system. This revamp follows a previous downgrade that transformed Copilot from a deeply integrated sidebar into a Progressive Web App (PWA). Now, Microsoft is rolling out an update to Windows testers that replaces the PWA with a purportedly “native” experience, featuring a new keyboard shortcut and a quick view UI element. This new approach aims to enhance accessibility and streamline the interaction with Copilot, but also introduces potential conflicts with existing applications and raises questions about Microsoft’s long-term vision for the AI assistant.
The core of this update revolves around the new quick view feature. Resembling Microsoft’s experimental Companion apps for files, contacts, and calendar entries, Copilot’s quick view floats above the taskbar, ensuring constant visibility. Users can activate this view using the new Alt + Space keyboard shortcut or by clicking on the system tray icon. While the quick view itself doesn’t offer any new functionalities, its always-on-top nature allows users to readily access Copilot without switching between applications, promoting a more seamless workflow. This constant availability distinguishes it from the previous sidebar implementation and the PWA version, both of which required specific actions to bring Copilot to the forefront.
However, the introduction of the Alt + Space shortcut presents potential compatibility issues. This keyboard combination is already utilized by various applications for different functions. Microsoft acknowledges this conflict, stating that Windows will prioritize the application that was launched first and is running in the background when the shortcut is used. This approach, while pragmatic, could lead to unintended consequences and user frustration, particularly for users who heavily rely on applications that already employ the Alt + Space shortcut. The decision to adopt this shortcut raises questions, especially considering Copilot previously used the Windows key + C shortcut before its PWA downgrade. Microsoft’s statement about “continuing to explore options related to keyboard shortcuts” suggests a degree of uncertainty about the optimal approach, further highlighting the evolving nature of Copilot’s integration.
Interestingly, this updated Copilot experience, including the new keyboard shortcut and quick view, will be available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. This cross-platform availability comes despite Microsoft’s reiterated commitment to ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025. The decision to continue enhancing Windows 10 with features like Copilot reflects Microsoft’s efforts to maximize the value of existing Windows PCs for users who may not be ready or able to upgrade to Windows 11. It also underscores the strategic importance of Copilot to Microsoft, extending its reach across a broader user base.
The evolution of Copilot on Windows has been marked by significant shifts in its implementation. Initially introduced as Windows Copilot, a fully integrated sidebar in Windows 11, the AI assistant offered a seamless experience within the operating system. This initial integration promised a powerful and convenient way to leverage AI assistance directly within the Windows environment. However, subsequent changes, particularly with the introduction of Copilot Plus PCs, saw the application reduced to a basic web app, diminishing its functionality and integration. While Microsoft describes the latest iteration as a “native version,” it remains essentially a web view of Copilot wrapped in a slightly enhanced native shell.
This latest iteration represents another attempt to refine the Copilot experience, balancing accessibility with functionality. The quick view UI and the Alt + Space shortcut aim to streamline interaction with the AI assistant. However, the potential for shortcut conflicts and the persistent reliance on a web-based core raise questions about the long-term direction of Copilot on Windows. Will Microsoft further enhance the native integration, or will Copilot remain primarily a web-based experience with a thin native wrapper? The ongoing experimentation with keyboard shortcuts and UI elements suggests that Microsoft is still searching for the optimal balance between accessibility, functionality, and system integration for its AI assistant. The future of Copilot on Windows remains a subject of ongoing development and refinement, as Microsoft seeks to solidify its role in the evolving landscape of AI-powered operating systems.
