Users who are still sticking with Windows 10 (or who can’t install Windows 11 on their machine) may now be able to check out one of the most buzzed about features in years on their machine. Just a few days after Microsoft confirmed it would bring Copilot to Windows 10, users with eligible devices can install a Release Preview build that includes access to the generative AI-powered assistant.
To run Copilot, your system will need at least 4GB of RAM and a display adapter that supports a resolution of at least 720p. Microsoft notes that the preview of the chatbot is only available in select markets (i.e. North America, and some areas of Asia and South America) for now, so you may be locked out on a geographical basis.
You’ll need to be enrolled in the Windows Insider tester program to install the preview build and potentially try out Copilot on Windows 10 Home or Pro. There’s no guarantee you’ll get access to the chatbot immediately either. Microsoft says “It may take time for your device to be confirmed as eligible for Copilot on Windows so it may not show up right away.” However, Microsoft suggests turning on the ”Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to receive swift access to Copilot when it’s confirmed your machine is eligible.
It is important to note that there are some quirks that may preclude you from checking out Copilot on Windows 10. For instance, it won’t work if you position your taskbar on the left or right of your display, as the taskbar needs to be in a horizontal orientation. Additionally, Copilot isn’t fully compatible with multi-monitor setups, as the icon will only appear on your primary display. Moreover, Copilot won’t be available on Windows 10 Pro machines that are managed by an organization for the time being.
After successfully confirming your eligibility and installing the preview build, when Copilot is available on your device, you can simply click the icon that appears on the right side of the taskbar to fire it up. Through the chatbot, you can ask questions, manage Windows features, and interact with documents. However, it is important to note that Copilot works slightly differently on Windows 10, as some features available in Windows 11 are not available in the former OS.
It’s not exactly a major mystery as to why Microsoft is bringing Copilot to Windows 10. According to some estimates, Windows 10 still powers some 69 percent of Windows-based desktops, compared with the 26 percent or so that run Windows 11. That means hundreds of millions of PCs are still running Windows 10. If Microsoft can say Copilot is available on more than a billion computers (compared with the 400 million that are estimated to be running Windows 11), that could be more appealing to the company’s investors.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to bring Copilot to Windows 10 is a significant move aimed at improving the experience of users who are unable to upgrade to the latest version of the operating system. With access to generative AI-powered assistance, Windows 10 users can now enjoy the benefits of this advanced feature, making their computing experience more interactive and efficient. With eligibility requirements in place, users are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest updates to gain swift access to Copilot and explore its capabilities on their compatible devices. This initiative by Microsoft not only expands the availability of advanced features to a wider user base but also demonstrates their commitment to continuously improve the user experience across their product line.
