How to use Copilot in Windows 11

While you’ve likely used browser-based generative AI tools like ChatGPT, the thing that sets Copilot for Windows apart is that it integrates with—wait for it—Windows.  So in addition to standard content generation and searches, you can also issue commands against your local machine like “Open Notepad.”

If you’re running Windows 11, then accessing Copilot is as easy as typing the Windows key + C to bring up the desktop application.  If you’re on Windows 10, keep an eye out for when Copilot functionality makes it to your version.

Let’s look at some examples.  How about “Turn on dark mode” to change the theme on your laptop.  After confirming that’s what you want, Copilot will dutifully change your theme.

Or some other ideas:

• “Turn on Bluetooth.”
• “Change wallpaper.”
• “Snap windows side by side.”
• “Mute volume.”
• “Open Settings so I can connect to an available network.”
• “Launch Microsoft Teams.”
• “Open the printer dialogue so I can connect to a printer.”
• “Take a screenshot.”