Windows 11: Copilot Will Access Local Files

Microsoft plans to expand Copilot to access local files and execute commands within Windows. At the same time, an enhanced search feature will offer quick actions from the search bar. Both developments are expected in the coming months and starting in the fall on Windows 11, according to the relevant officials.

Windows Search: Quick Actions Expected This Fall

Microsoft has introduced a new search experience on Windows that will allow users to perform quick actions directly from the search bar. Examples include activating dark mode, adjusting the microphone volume using a built-in slider, and sending a text message. Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Surface, specified that this feature will be available starting this fall on Windows 11 PCs. Additionally, Jacob Andreou, Executive Vice President of Copilot at Microsoft, indicated that features powered by Hybrid Intelligence will be rolled out in Copilot in the coming months.

Copilot to Access Local Files and Control Windows

The upcoming update for Copilot will enable the assistant to access local files on a PC and execute actions within the Windows operating system. Microsoft refers to this approach as Hybrid Intelligence, which combines local AI models and cloud-based models within applications and tools. To illustrate how this works, Jacob Andreou showcased a video demonstration where he asked the Autopilot tool to help him fill out his tax returns after receiving an email from his accountant. The AI agent then searched for the necessary documents in various folders, renamed files, compressed the documents into a folder, and drafted an email to the accountant with the zip file attached.