Microsoft wants Copilot to Auto-Start on Windows 11
Microsoft is taking another step to integrate its AI assistant, Copilot, more deeply into Windows 11. The company has been testing an auto-start feature for Copilot, and a recent update for Windows Insiders confirms they’re getting serious about it.
IMG source: Microsoft.com
Tech enthusiast @phantomofearth on X recently discovered that the latest Copilot app for Windows Insiders (version 1.25014.121.0) includes a new option to enable auto-start on login. This setting can be found by clicking the three-dot menu in Copilot and navigating to Settings. Once enabled, Copilot runs quietly in the background.
Users have three ways to control this feature:
- A prompt when opening Copilot
- The app’s internal settings
- Windows 11 system settings (Settings | Apps | Startup)
Microsoft experimented with a similar change in January 2024, where Copilot would automatically launch on widescreen devices with at least a 27-inch display and 1920-pixel width. However, the move sparked frustration among users who felt Microsoft was forcing AI features onto their device especially given the company’s history of aggressive promotions and product placements.
In addition to the auto-start feature, Microsoft has been making other Copilot-related updates. Recent improvements include a “Share” button in Copilot’s Edge side panel, AI tools in Paint, and a machine learning-powered autofill feature for Edge on Android.
With these ongoing updates, it’s clear that Microsoft is working hard to make Copilot a central part of the Windows experience whether users like it or not.
