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Microsoft has undocked Copilot from its dock. Windows 11 users may soon be able to resize the Generative AI tool, and even move it freely across their desktops as if it’s a standalone app.
Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26080 to the Canary and Dev Channels earlier this week. One of the biggest visual changes awaiting users is having Copilot anywhere on the screen.
Microsoft Copilot can be undocked, resized, and moved across the desktop
Microsoft Copilot is one of the easiest and fastest ways to access ChatGPT directly from within Windows 11. Introduced about a year ago, Microsoft kept Copilot locked in a dock located on the right side of the screen.
Users could perform all the tasks that Generative AI is famous for and even alter a few Windows settings, but they couldn’t move Copilot away from its dock. Although this wasn’t a deal-breaker, it is not clear why Microsoft restricted Copilot’s movement on a Windows 11 desktop.
Microsoft recently allowed users to resize the size of the Copilot dock, and even added the tool to the startup process. This ensured Copilot was quickly available to Windows 11 users, just like the Edge web browser.
Moving forward, users could unlock or unshackle Copilot from its dock, confirmed Microsoft. This essentially transforms Microsoft Copilot from a dock to a standalone app.
Not only will users be able to move and resize Copilot, but they could also decide where they want it to appear or stay. In other words, Microsoft Copilot would be able to remember its previous location on the screen, just like other apps. Additionally, Copilot would appear in that precise spot the next time users summon it.
Microsoft to unlock more Windows 11 settings that can be changed using Copilot
Microsoft Copilot can control quite a few settings in Windows 11. In the latest beta builds of Windows 11, Microsoft has unlocked some more settings that Copilot can now access and change. Moving forward, users can empty the Recycle Bin, turn on Live Captions, or summon Voice Access using simple text prompts.
It appears Microsoft wants Copilot to improve and simplify Windows 11 usage, especially for users with physical limitations. Hence, the company has added new options, collectively included in the accessibility category, which can be changed using Copilot. Perhaps in the near future, Windows 11 users may be able to alter most of the OS’s settings without entering the Settings app.