Exploring Copilot’s Impact on Windows 11 Taskbar Search Functionality

Microsoft is set to enhance the Windows user experience by introducing Ask Copilot in the Taskbar, aiming to make the operating system more agentic. This update is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Developer and Beta Channels, specifically for those who have upgraded to Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115).

The primary goal of Ask Copilot is to transform the taskbar into a dynamic hub, offering one-click access to Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, while also modernizing the conventional Windows Search functionality with Copilot’s capabilities.

Historically, Windows Search has not seen substantial upgrades, providing basic functionalities like locating apps, accessing local and OneDrive files, conducting web searches, and finding system settings, albeit with limited contextual comprehension. Essentially, Windows Search has been constrained by its reliance on indexed content, lacking the deeper understanding of user intentions.

Understanding Ask Copilot’s Functionality

While Microsoft has not explicitly branded Ask Copilot as a replacement for Windows Search, it represents an evolution of the feature, integrating Copilot’s advanced functionalities. When users input queries into the Ask Copilot interface, it employs the same APIs that power the traditional Windows Search, enabling them to discover local applications, files, and system settings, while enhancing semantic understanding of user queries.

Future enhancements aim to facilitate direct access to Copilot Vision and Voice directly from the taskbar. The redesigned Ask Copilot bar replaces the Windows Search interface and includes dedicated buttons for both Copilot Vision and Voice functionalities.

Activating the Copilot Vision feature prompts users to share their screen, while selecting Copilot Voice would initiate voice recognition, mimicking the experience of verbal commands such as “Hey Copilot.”These functionalities are also accessible via the Copilot app, indicating Microsoft’s strategy to embed Copilot into regular user workflows by placing it prominently in the taskbar.

Hands-On Experience with the Copilot Search Interface

Interacting with the new “Ask Copilot anything” search bar reveals an intuitive floating window featuring a text input box, a Copilot icon on the left, and options for Copilot Vision and Voice on the right. The transition animation is elegantly executed, enhancing the visual appeal of the interface. However, there are minor glitches, such as overlapping text when closing the floating window.

In terms of aesthetics and speed, Ask Copilot outperforms traditional Windows Search, delivering a more streamlined experience without overwhelming users with information before they commence typing.

File and Settings Search Capabilities

Similar to its predecessor, Ask Copilot can search for applications, files, and system settings. However, based on testing, I noticed no significant speed enhancements when comparing the two. The cleaner interface of Ask Copilot, however, does improve usability.

Searching for apps, files, and settings in Ask Copilot

Ask Copilot utilizing the existing Windows Search indexing system means it does not gain access to your files directly when searching. The SearchIndexer service monitors changes in the file system and upkeeps a local database of searchable content.

For system settings, queries in natural language yield an Ask Copilot tag, though selecting them redirects users to the Copilot app rather than executing the action directly. Currently, if users request a change, such as activating dark mode, Ask Copilot simply leads them to the relevant settings interface, mimicking traditional Windows Search behavior.

Ask Copilot doesn't recognize system settings asked in natural language — Ask Copilot does not yet interpret natural language requests for system settings.

Exploring Copilot Vision and Voice Features

The highlight of Microsoft’s initiative to incorporate Copilot into the taskbar is the introduction of both Copilot Vision and Voice functionalities, empowering users to engage with their PCs through verbal commands directly.

Unfortunately, during testing, accessing the Vision or Voice features merely redirected users to the Copilot app, indicating that further development is required before these features are fully operational.

A recent Microsoft announcement emphasized the ambition to transform every Windows 11 PC into an “AI PC, ”positioning the Ask Copilot taskbar integration as a means of promoting more natural interactions powered by artificial intelligence.

The demonstration showcased a user invoking Copilot Vision while editing a PowerPoint presentation, after launching the application through Ask Copilot in the taskbar.

Notably, a planned feature allowing users to upload files directly from the Ask Copilot interface was omitted from the current Preview Update, although expectations remain for its inclusion in forthcoming updates.

File upload button in Ask Copilot window — Proposed File Upload button in the Ask Copilot window, as per Microsoft’s design.

Windows Search Remains Functional

Despite the introduction of Ask Copilot, the Start menu still features a traditional search bar that activates the usual Windows Search interface. This indicates that Windows Search is not being phased out.

Currently, Ask Copilot offers a minimalist design but requires further enhancements, particularly for the Copilot Vision and Voice functionalities, which are yet to be operable.

If Microsoft can effectively communicate to users that Copilot does not access private files and operates similarly to existing Windows Search, the new feature could be widely embraced.

Turning Ask Copilot On and Off

By default, Ask Copilot is disabled. To enable it, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot and toggle it on. Users can easily revert to traditional Windows Search by disabling the toggle.

Ask Copilot toggle in the Personalization settings

At present, Ask Copilot is only accessible to users in the Beta and Dev channels, with no specific timeline for a public rollout. Once it becomes available to a wider audience, the computational demand required to fulfill user queries is expected to be significant, leading to hopes for some on-device capabilities for high-performance Copilot+ PCs.

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