Microsoft’s artificially led revenue boat is starting to feel a bit rudderless as it runs into model training hurdles like other AI providers and as a result Windows users get a wallpaper change as a show of progress.
Microsoft will soon be seeding a native version of its Copilot app for Windows Insiders in the coming weeks that is intended to replace the progressive web app that previously replaced embedded app for Windows.
It’s native: With this update, the previous Copilot progressive web app (PWA) is replaced with a native version. After installing the Copilot app update, when you run Copilot, you will see it appear in your system tray.
For Windows users who have been charting Copilots ascension in Windows, today’s announcement is a bit of a headscratcher as it seems Microsoft has functionally regressed with tossing Copilot back into the taskbar from which many users previously derided.
Nevertheless, the native Copilot app will at least come with keyboard shortcut Alt + Space support for Windows 10 and 11 PCs. Unlike its original taskbar-locked positioning, the new app will maintain its free forming windowed support, allowing users to resize the app to their hearts content. However, when using the dedicated Copilot button on Copilot + PCs, the app will be opened in main window form by default rather than the miniaturize quick view that is pulled up when triggered from the desktop icon or the keyboard shortcut.
Microsoft plans to roll out the update to all Insiders regardless of channel but will be doing so over the next few weeks that include two major holidays so the new app could land anytime from now until after the new year for some users. The new app will be updated via the Microsoft Store and come with version 1.24112.123.0 or higher as part of escalated release roadmap for Insiders for now.
