(Credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft is testing a new Copilot feature that harnesses AI to help users automatically adjust Windows 11 settings based on their request.
"We set out to solve one of the most common frustrations we hear—finding and changing settings on your PC—using the power of agents,” the company says.
Microsoft will roll out the capability in a Windows Insider beta release for Copilot+ PCs, which include laptops running processors designed for generative AI from Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD.
Copilot already operates as a ChatGPT-like service on your PC. The company now sees an opportunity to apply generative AI capabilities to quickly search for and access the appropriate Windows 11 settings. “An agent uses on-device AI to understand your intent and, with your permission, automate and execute tasks,” Microsoft explains.
The company demonstrated the feature in a video that shows a user typing their request into the Windows 11 settings search bar. The operating system is smart enough to process the request and display an easy way to calibrate the corresponding Windows 11 setting.
"With this update to Settings, you will be able to simply describe what you need help with, like ‘how to control my PC by voice’ or ‘my mouse pointer is too small,’ and the agent will recommend the right steps you can take to address the issue,” Microsoft adds. “With your permission and at your initiation, it can even complete the actions to change your settings on your behalf."
If successful, the capability could eliminate the need to search the web for how to change Windows 11 settings. We'll also be curious to see the full scope of its access.
For now, Microsoft says the feature will first be available for Windows Insiders on Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs before rolling out to Copilot+ PCs running AMD or Intel chips. "Only English language inputs will be supported initially," it says.