The FIFTH iteration of the Copilot app has landed on Windows 11, but don’t be fooled by the term “redesign.”This latest experience, crafted from the ground up, showcases Microsoft’s commitment to perfecting its application. Copilot is now officially a “native” entity within Windows 11, eliminating its previous reliance on web technologies in favor of a more seamless integration that outperforms even the ChatGPT application.
The revamped Copilot, internally designated “NATIVE. COPILOT, ” began its rollout to Windows Insider Program testers this week.
This version marks a significant leap from the earlier sidebar-based iterations, transitioning through various web-based frameworks before finally settling on a fully functional native app.
What Sets the Native Copilot Apart?
Engineered utilizing Windows’ advanced technologies such as XAML and WinUI, the new Copilot boasts an interface that feels cohesively integrated with the overall Windows 11 environment. Expect to see the familiar title bar, system tray icons, and native controls that embody the essence of a standard Windows application.
In contrast, the previous version relied on a Progressive Web App (PWA) model, depending heavily on Microsoft Edge’s WebView2 for rendering content from copilot.microsoft.com. This resulted in excessive memory usage and a less than optimal user experience.
The newly minted Copilot performs robustly, with significantly lower memory consumption, ensuring that the app runs smoothly without the sluggishness experienced with its predecessor. Testing has shown that the old PWA version could average around 1GB of RAM usage due to its dependency on Edge components like push notifications and background processes. This high resource demand was exacerbated by its reliance on JavaScript.
In stark contrast, the native Copilot now operates within a modest 50-100MB RAM range—a remarkable improvement. This newfound efficiency stems from its complete abandonment of web components, allowing for a leaner, more resourceful application.
The updated version also introduces a side panel function for accessing conversation history and initiating new inquiries, in addition to a picture-in-picture mode that enhances productivity.
Moreover, the new Copilot demonstrates a greater understanding of Windows 11 itself. For instance, users can now ask Copilot to explain features such as turning off Spotlight on their desktop, and it will provide tailored responses based on the OS version in use.
While the Copilot native app is still in the early stages of integration, it holds promise as a tool capable of interacting with Windows 11 functionalities. Presently, it does not exhibit groundbreaking capabilities, yet it stands superior to the ChatGPT app, which operates on Chromium Electron instead of a true native framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main advantage of the new native Copilot over the previous PWA version?
The primary advantage of the new native Copilot is its significantly lower memory usage, ranging from 50-100MB, compared to the previous PWA version, which could consume up to 1GB of RAM. This enhancement leads to improved performance and a more integrated user experience in Windows 11.
2. How does the native Copilot interact with the Windows 11 operating system?
The native Copilot can understand commands related to the Windows operating system, allowing users to ask specific questions like how to turn off Spotlight on their desktop. It tailors its responses based on the OS version, enhancing the assistance it can provide.
3. When is the Copilot app expected to receive more updates and features?
As part of the Windows Insider Program, updates are continually being issued. Microsoft aims to further enhance Copilot’s functionality and integration within Windows 11, so users can expect ongoing improvements and additional features in the near future.
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