Introduction
Windows 11 is no stranger to updates that bring both excitement and controversy. Microsoft continues to double down on AI, and its pet project Copilot is seemingly everywhere — from Paint and Notepad to your taskbar and even your keyboard. The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26220 now introduces yet another Copilot button, this time tucked into your taskbar preview windows.
But does this new addition make your experience more powerful or just cluttered? Let’s break down the new Windows 11 Copilot features, what they mean for users, and whether you should be thrilled or skeptical.
The New Copilot Taskbar Button
When you hover over an open app in your Windows 11 taskbar, you’ll now notice a “Share with Copilot” button in the window preview. The idea is simple:
🖥️ You can share the current app’s content directly with Copilot Vision, Microsoft’s screen-analyzing AI.
This means you could:
- Share a paused frame from a video to ask, “What’s happening here?”
- Click an image preview and get context about a sculpture, landmark, or product.
- Even request tutorials and instructions based on on-screen content.
This is designed to make Copilot a seamless assistant that can process visual information directly from your desktop.
What is Copilot Vision?
🔍 Copilot Vision is Microsoft’s AI capability that scans whatever is on your window or screen and provides insights, explanations, and related links.
For example:
- Watching a baseball game? Ask Copilot who’s celebrating on the mound.
- Editing a presentation? Copilot could suggest better chart layouts.
- Stuck on design software? Ask Copilot for step-by-step tutorials.
It’s almost like having an AI-powered researcher that sees what you see.
More Copilot Features in Windows 11
The new preview build doesn’t just stop at the taskbar button. Microsoft is also rolling out related AI tools:
✨ On-Screen Text Translation – Highlight any visible text (such as in images, PDFs, or non-editable apps) and translate it instantly without copy-paste struggles.
🎨 Copilot in Paint – AI features like background removal, image generation, and smart suggestions directly integrated into the Paint app.
📝 Copilot in Notepad – Summarize long notes, rewrite content, and even ask quick questions within plain text.
🖱️ Native App Integration – Access Copilot through quick actions in taskbar search, keyboard shortcuts, and even special Copilot keys introduced on some new laptops and mini PCs.
Why Does Microsoft Keep Pushing Copilot?
It’s clear that Microsoft sees AI as the future of personal computing, trying to make Windows the ultimate hub for productivity and creativity. With OpenAI-backed models integrated natively, Microsoft wants users to rely on Windows 11 not just as an operating system, but as a thinking assistant.
However, opinions are divided:
- 🔔 Pro users appreciate the seamless AI help for work, research, and productivity.
- 🙄 Casual users feel overwhelmed with too many Copilot buttons everywhere.
The Pros and Cons of Copilot in Windows 11
Here’s a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of Microsoft’s latest AI push.
✅ Pros:
- Instant AI assistance without switching apps.
- Copilot Vision helps understand visual content quickly.
- Boosts productivity with tasks like translation, rewriting, and summarizing.
- Deep integration with native Windows apps (Paint, Notepad, Outlook, etc.).
- Hands-free research and tutorials directly from the desktop.
❌ Cons:
- Too many Copilot buttons can clutter Windows experience.
- Privacy concerns when sharing screen content with AI.
- Limited functionality in early preview builds.
- Resource-heavy for lower-end PCs.
- Feature fatigue: Not every user wants AI embedded in every app.
How Users Can Benefit from These Features
While some see these updates as forced AI integration, others can truly benefit:
🚀 Students – Highlight notes, translate foreign-language documents, and get AI tutorials for assignments.
💼 Professionals – Use AI to summarize reports, explain industry diagrams, or draft content faster.
🎨 Creators – Generate art ideas in Paint or seek layout suggestions for presentations.
🌏 Language Learners – Instantly translate menus, PDFs, and scanned documents.
Will This Feature Stay?
Microsoft itself has hinted that this taskbar Copilot button is experimental. Features tested in Insider Preview don’t always make it into stable Windows releases. If users push back strongly, the taskbar “Share with Copilot” could be removed before release.
But since Microsoft wants Copilot everywhere, it’s highly possible that some version of this feature will remain.
Should You Upgrade for These Features?
If you’re already on Windows 11 Insider builds, you’ll soon notice Copilot buttons showing up in more places. For regular stable users, it may be a few months before these features roll out.
If you:
- Love experimenting with AI tools → The Insider Preview is worth trying.
- Prefer a clean, distraction-free desktop → You may want to wait until features stabilize.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft is going all-in on AI, and Windows 11 is the frontline of that mission. With Copilot Vision and the new taskbar sharing button, the operating system is becoming less about what you can do and more about what AI can help you do.
While enthusiasm for endless Copilot buttons may not be universal, the potential for smarter workflows, faster research, and instant translations makes these features hard to ignore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new Copilot taskbar button in Windows 11?
The new Copilot taskbar button appears when you hover over an app in your taskbar. It lets you share that specific window with Copilot Vision, which can analyze the content and provide explanations, insights, or tutorials.
What does Copilot Vision do in Windows 11?
Copilot Vision scans the contents of your active window and allows you to discuss it with Microsoft’s AI chatbot. For example, it can identify objects in images, explain sports moments, or give you step-by-step instructions based on what’s on screen.
Is Copilot in Windows 11 free to use?
Yes, Copilot is built into Windows 11 and free for all users. However, some advanced AI features may require an internet connection and may later be part of premium Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Can I turn off the Copilot button in Windows 11?
Currently, Microsoft is only testing this in Insider Preview builds, and options to disable the new taskbar Copilot button may vary. Once released widely, Microsoft usually includes settings to hide or disable AI integrations.
Does using Copilot Vision raise privacy concerns?
Yes, there are reasonable privacy concerns since sharing your screen with Copilot means content is analyzed by AI systems in the cloud. Sensitive or confidential information should not be shared with Copilot to avoid potential security risks.
How do I enable Copilot in Windows 11?
If you’re in the Insider Preview, the Copilot features are enabled by default. For stable users, you can head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Copilot once it’s rolled out publicly to toggle the feature on or off.
Which Windows apps currently support Copilot features?
Microsoft has integrated Copilot into Paint, Notepad, Outlook, and now the taskbar preview. Future apps such as Word, PowerPoint, and Edge are expected to expand their Copilot AI integrations.
Will the new Copilot taskbar button be available for all users?
Not necessarily. Microsoft often tests features with Insiders first, and if feedback is negative, the feature might get removed. If it performs well, the Copilot taskbar button will likely ship to all Windows 11 users in an upcoming cumulative update.
