you can enable Copilot by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop

Windows 11 may replace a favorite shortcut with more AI

There have been rumors that Microsoft is testing the removal of the beloved "Show desktop" feature in Windows 11 and replacing it with the AI-powered Copilot assistant. This was spotted in the latest preview build for the Dev Channel.

Here's what we know so far:

What is changing?

The shortcut to "Show desktop" by hovering your mouse in the bottom right corner of the taskbar might be removed.

In its place, the Copilot shortcut would be placed, allowing you to access its features by hovering or clicking on it.

What is Copilot?

Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that aims to help you be more productive.

It can perform various tasks, such as:

Organizing your desktop and windows.

Suggesting relevant apps and files based on your work.

Helping you find information and complete tasks faster.

Why the change?

Microsoft believes that Copilot can be a more powerful and versatile tool than the "Show desktop" feature.

They hope that by making Copilot more easily accessible, users will be more likely to use it and benefit from its features.

How can I try it out?

If you're a Windows Insider in the Dev Channel, you can try out the Copilot feature by installing the latest preview build.

Once it's installed, you can enable Copilot by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop.

What are the potential drawbacks?

Some users may be resistant to change and prefer the familiar "Show desktop" feature.

Others may be concerned about the privacy implications of using an AI-powered assistant.

It's also possible that Copilot might not be as helpful as Microsoft claims it to be.

What's next?

Microsoft is likely to continue testing Copilot and gather feedback from users before making a final decision about its future.

It's possible that the company will backtrack on the decision to remove the "Show desktop" feature, or they may offer an option to choose which one you prefer.

Overall, it remains to be seen whether replacing the "Show desktop" feature with Copilot is a good move by Microsoft. Only time will tell if users will embrace the change and find Copilot to be a valuable addition to Windows 11.

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:

Microsoft blog post     :           https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2023/02/28/%3C0%3Eintroducing-a-big-update-to-windows-11-making-the-everyday-easier-including-bringing-the-new-ai-powered-bing-to-the-taskbar/

Digital Trends article:

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2023/02/28/%3C0%3Eintroducing-a-big-update-to-windows-11-making-the-everyday-easier-including-bringing-the-new-ai-powered-bing-to-the-taskbar/

ISP Web Stories article:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/a-new-type-of-pinned-item-on-the-windows-11-start/74ee2097-071d-4f3d-89cf-bf1b762eaf16

FQA

Q: What is Copilot?

A: Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Windows 11. It aims to improve user productivity by offering various features, including:

Task organization:   Automatically organize your desktop and windows, making it easier to find what you need.

File and app suggestions:  Suggest relevant files and apps based on your current work, helping you get things done faster.

Information assistance:   Help you find information and complete tasks more efficiently.

Smart actions:    Automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and effort.

Q: How does Copilot work?

A: Copilot utilizes AI technology to understand your work context and analyze your data. It then uses this information to suggest relevant actions and automate tasks.

Q: How can I access Copilot?

A: Copilot is currently available in the Dev Channel preview builds of Windows 11. You can access it in two ways:

Hovering: Hover your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the taskbar where the "Show desktop" button used to be.

Taskbar button: If you've enabled the Copilot button in Settings, it will appear alongside your other taskbar icons.

Q: What are the benefits of using Copilot?

A: Copilot can offer several benefits, including:

Increased productivity: By automating tasks and providing relevant suggestions, Copilot can help you get more done in less time.

Improved workflow: Copilot's organizational features can help you stay organized and focused on your work.

Simplified task completion: Accessing information and completing tasks becomes easier with Copilot's AI-powered assistance.

Q: Are there any privacy concerns with Copilot?

A: Microsoft assures that Copilot is built with privacy in mind. Your data, including prompts, responses, and business data, is not used to train the underlying AI models. However, some users still express concerns about data collection and usage.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of using Copilot?

A: While Copilot offers potential benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

Learning curve: You might require some time to learn how to use Copilot effectively and integrate it into your workflow.

Over-reliance: Overdependence on Copilot for assistance might hinder your own problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Potential for errors: As with any AI technology, Copilot is not perfect and might occasionally suggest inaccurate or irrelevant information.

Q: What's the future of Copilot?

A: Microsoft is actively developing and improving Copilot based on user feedback. We can expect new features, functionalities, and performance enhancements over time.