Microsoft says it will bring Copilot Actions, which can use apps to complete some tasks on files in Windows 11, to the Windows Insider Program and Copilot Labs

On Tuesday, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10, the operating system it introduced 10 years earlier.

CNBC 2025-10-17 Jordan Novet

Context & Ripple Effects

Microsoft has been moving Copilot from a Windows 11 sidebar into more of the operating system: it first embedded a unified assistant in Windows, then added an AI agent in Settings and tested desktop sharing with Copilot Vision. Copilot Actions is the next step because it shifts the product from interpreting what is on screen toward carrying out bounded work through apps.

The timing also concentrates Microsoft’s Windows AI push on the supported platform after Windows 10 support ended, while Insider and Labs distribution keeps the new capability in an experimental channel.

First-order effects

Windows Insider Program and Copilot Labs participants gain early access to an assistant that can use apps for some file-related tasks in Windows 11.
Microsoft expands Copilot’s role from answering and observing to initiating actions inside the Windows app environment, initially with a limited task scope.

Second-order effects

Testing app-mediated actions will put pressure on Microsoft to prove that permissions, task handoffs, and results are dependable before the feature can move beyond preview users.
The move raises the competitive baseline for desktop assistants: interface-level AI features increasingly need a credible path to completing work, not just surfacing guidance.

Third-order effects

If such previews graduate broadly, the operating system can become an agent action surface where the assistant coordinates existing applications rather than remaining a separate chat destination.
The Insider-and-Labs route suggests that agentic OS features may be introduced through staged access and tighter user control, as reliability and trust become product constraints alongside model capability.

The trend: Desktop AI is progressing from embedded conversational help toward an assistant operating layer that can act across the user’s existing applications.

Discussion

@stevekovach Steve Kovach on bluesky
Microsoft is stuffing a bunch more AI features into Windows 11 and making others available to everyone for the first time. — It sounds pretty neat, as long as you're comfortable sharing everything you do on your computer over the internet with Microsoft's AI. (yikes) — www.c…
r/artificial r on reddit
Microsoft will test a Copilot AI feature that performs work on local files in Windows 11
@windows @windows on x
The computer you can talk to is here 🙌 Stay in your flow, brainstorm and get answers - simply by asking. Try Copilot on Windows 11 today: https://www.microsoft.com/... [video]
@zacbowden Zac Bowden on x
Microsoft is planning to bring Copilot to the Windows 11 Taskbar via the search box. Instead of the Windows Search pane, you'll get a Copilot UI that houses search results instead. Plus, instant access to Copilot Vision from the Taskbar https://www.windowscentral.com/ ...
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
This is the future of Windows. Microsoft wants to rewrite Windows to turn computers into AI PCs that you talk to. It's now bringing AI features to all Windows 11 PCs today, in a bid to convince you to talk to your PC and let AI control it. Full details 👇 https://www.theverge.com/…
@stevesi Steven Sinofsky on x
In the future we will 100% talk to all computers and devices (not always though). In the short term the idea of mapping the GUI desktop metaphor to voice control will continue to be far less performant than typing + pointer, and goofy. Tiller v steering wheel. [image]
@yusuf_i_mehdi Yusuf Mehdi on x
We're entering a new era—where AI is built into the tools people already use every day. With today's updates, every Windows 11 PC becomes an AI PC, with Copilot at the center, ready to help you think, create, and act. And it all starts with “Hey Copilot.” [video]
@zacbowden Zac Bowden on x
This is Microsoft's new agentic Copilot feature for Windows 11 in action. It will take your task and complete it in a separate desktop environment, and you can watch it while it works or minimize and get on with your own task. [video]
@ryanshrout Ryan Shrout on x
This announcement that every @Windows 11 PC will become an AI PC marks a shift in how the company views the operating system of the future. The vision (pun!) is clear: move beyond traditional app-driven workflows toward natural, conversational interaction where users can simply
@ghost_motley Charlie on x
I am not talking to my computer.
@satyanadella Satya Nadella on x
Hey Copilot! Show everyone how we're transforming how you interact with your Windows PC — so you can talk naturally, it can see what you see, and take action on your behalf. [video]
@windows @windows on x
Meet the computer you can talk to. The way you use your PC is evolving. Learn more about Copilot on Windows 11: https://blogs.windows.com/...
@windowsblog @windowsblog on x
Making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC https://blogs.windows.com/...
@windowsdev @windowsdev on x
The era of AI PCs is here. 💻 Just say “Hey Copilot” to: • Talk naturally with Copilot Voice • See what you see with Copilot Vision • Get things done with Copilot Actions Learn more: https://blogs.windows.com/... [video]
@lanceulanoff Lance Ulanoff on x
I think back to the first time Microsoft talked about bringing voice control to Windows, back in the 1990s, and mostly in answer to OS/2, which was integrating it first. Now, the necessary AI technology is finally ready to make it practical. Exciting times for Windows.
@pavandavuluri Pavan Davuluri on x
Today we're taking the next step in making powerful AI easy and useful on Windows 11. With Copilot and new agentic experiences at the center, every Windows 11 PC becomes an AI PC that empowers you to connect, create, and work in more natural ways. Voice is becoming the next [vide…
@obscuravpn @obscuravpn on x
The bloatware OS added more bloatware!! [image]
@ecommerceshares @ecommerceshares on x
Satya cooking Michelin-style here with Agentic Windows. Cc @satyanadella It's like those Terry Pratchett fantasy-style computers that used to have a little elf living in them and doing the tasks for you.
@brandonleblanc Brandon LeBlanc on x
As a Star Trek fan, I have always wanted to be able to talk to my PC like Captain Picard and have it do things for me. I am excited about the work we're doing here with voice and making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC.
@yusuf_i_mehdi Yusuf Mehdi on x
Here's what's new 👇 Copilot Voice lets you speak naturally to your PC—just say “Hey Copilot” to begin, and “Goodbye” to end. Copilot Vision gives your PC the ability to see what you see—offering contextual support across your desktop, apps, and documents. Copilot Actions
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Copilot on the taskbar is one of Microsoft's new Windows 11 features it announced today. It replaces the search box and gives you a launcher-like prompt window and access to Copilot Vision / Voice [video]
@zacbowden Zac Bowden on x
Microsoft announces agentic AI assistant for Windows 11 that can control your PC and do tasks for you. It's also introducing Hey Copilot, which lets you talk to your PC from anywhere, and it's bringing Copilot to the Taskbar search box https://www.windowscentral.com/ ...
@itspaulai Paul Couvert on x
Wow Microsoft just announced Copilot Actions for local files 🤯 You can basically ask Copilot to perform any task on your machine autonomously. Yes. - Open Copilot in Windows - Assign a goal in natural language - Copilot launches a contained environment - It works autonomously [vi…
@willoremus Will Oremus on x
Microsoft should come up with some kind of cute avatar to represent the AI and make it seem more user-friendly. Something simple and relatable; maybe an everyday object of some sort... ?
@antonhand Anton Hand on x
This is why I'm staying on Win10, and when I can no longer stay on Win10, I am moving to Linux. Fuck this nonsense.
@testingcatalog @testingcatalog on x
Copilot for Windows got a huge upgrade with many Agentic AI features. - Voice Copilot on Win 11 - Copilot Vision on Windows - Reimagined taskbar experience - Previewing Copilot Actions for local files -Copilot connectors, easy doc creation $MSFT is back 🔥 [video]
@mustafasuleyman Mustafa Suleyman on x
Today, we're one step closer to AI as an operating system. A computer you can talk to, that can see what you see, and take action - all with your permission, all more intuitive than ever. Vision now GA globally + more on today's @Windows blog: https://blogs.windows.com/... [image…
@nptwrites N.P. Thompson on bluesky
I do not want my damned laptop to be “a true partner”. 😑 [embedded post]
@sadknob Darren Ewing on bluesky
this is exactly the opposite of what i want in a computer. i'm looking forward to exploring the many “how to force shut off microsoft ai bullshit in regedit” articles so i can still play games. — fuck you. fuck your ai. fuck you again. — linux runs my writing software …
@willoremus.com Will Oremus on bluesky
Microsoft should come up with some kind of cute avatar to represent the AI and make it seem more user-friendly. Something simple and relatable; maybe an everyday object of some sort. [embedded post]
@joshuafoust.com Joshua Foust on bluesky
Literally no one wants this janky surveillance garbage. It's men who don't like people and treat them like appliances making computers to simulate people they can treat like an appliance: Offensive on every human level.
@darthbluesky @darthbluesky on bluesky
“The PC should be able to act on your behalf.” — the fuck is it with these guys [embedded post]
@campuscodi.risky.biz Catalin Cimpanu on bluesky
Turning Windows into a more expensive Alexa is probably right there with the dumbest decision in tech since Microsoft's infamous Xbox One launch that basically killed its console forever [embedded post]
@pemryjanes.com Pemry Janes on bluesky
Just checked, and it's on my PC now. — But I can turn it off so it doesn't start at start-up and removed it from the start menu. — Won't delete it entirely because you know MS will just reinstall it at the next update while removing my settings. [embedded post]
@greybrewer @greybrewer on bluesky
Ooh, can't wait for the peripheral that extends jagged splinters under your fingernails!
@stevekovach Steve Kovach on bluesky
All while sharing everything you're doing on your computer with Microsoft! [embedded post]
@reckless Nilay Patel on bluesky
AI people keep showing up in my mentions to argue that I am not using their specific narrow definition of AI agents while the industry keeps promising magic computers that can listen and take consistent, reliable actions on arbitrary voice commands www.theverge.com/news/799768/ .…
@peterwartman.com Peter Wartman on bluesky
extremely good time to figure out linux — www.theverge.com/news/799768/ ...
@brokenwing @brokenwing on bluesky
Total number of lifetime users will be 5 digits. Total revenue generation will be strongly negative. General feedback will be negative. It will live a zombie life for a decade before finally being discontinued. But in the meantime, it will make people eager to leave. Definit…
@grumble.social King Ned Blood on bluesky
People thought online shopping would happen via virtual store walkthroughs; in reality searching and clicking on an item in a list was a vastly superior experience. — People want the fastest flow. Talking to your pc will always be slower than muscle memory and clicks. Unhinge…
@geekelite.geekerific.com Luke M. on bluesky
Even more impetus for me to start experimenting with Linux. [embedded post]
@fredericl Frederic Lardinois on bluesky
Microsoft really, really, really wants to make the ‘Year of the Linux Desktop’ happen ASAP. blogs.windows.com/windowsexper...
@pabastien P.A. Bat-stein on bluesky
I swear after this fails... if it comes out that this ended up being invented because they wanted the computers you can talk to like in TNG, I am going to actively advocate giving techbros wedgies. — Well no I'd advocate that regardless but I'd go for atomic wedgies instead [em…
@turfster @turfster on bluesky
www.theverge.com/news/799768/ ... Wow yeah if there's one thing people that aren't do-nothing waste of space managers & execs Love, it's spending time in meetings instead of doing Actual Work™ in their Open Plan Office surrounded by Every-fucking-one else's noises. — Get fucke…
@partnardy Patrick on bluesky
trying to watch a movie on a plane by yelling “Hey, Copilot - start Crash” and getting shot in the head by an air marshal [embedded post]
@andrewt.net Andrew on bluesky
“You should be able to talk to your PC, have it understand you, and then be able to have magic happen from that,” says Mehdi — I mean yeah, that'd be great, but I don't see how it's relevant until you invent something that can do that [embedded post]
@aura.dog Luc on bluesky
they killed Cortana for this
@weirdnoirmaster @weirdnoirmaster on bluesky
Most interaction with technology nowdays is turning off bullshit features like this no one wants [embedded post]
@ntpnate @ntpnate on bluesky
I am too old and too lazy to learn Linux and if I have to stop gaming because of this shit and because Microsoft incorporates Teams into the XBox I will have my vengeance on the world. [embedded post]
@niceandinnocent @niceandinnocent on bluesky
Somebody should tell them that nobody wants this
@benharris1 Ben Harris on bluesky
Everyone knows that the best products and technologies are those that are foisted onto people against their will. [embedded post]
@smpritchard S.M. Pritchard on bluesky
Really trying to push people to Linux I guess
@projectazar.com @projectazar.com on bluesky
Desktop Linux is not a solution to the problem of Windows. It is just a replacement of Windows problems with a different set of frustrating problems. — But fuck I'd much rather have the Linux problems than whatever the fuck this is from Microsoft. [embedded post]
@shredgnarly @shredgnarly on bluesky
“Hey Copilot! How do I get rid of Copilot?”
@edzitron.com Ed Zitron on bluesky
Big day for people who eat paint [embedded post]
@mustafasuleymanai Mustafa Suleyman on bluesky
Today, we're one step closer to AI as an operating system. A computer you can talk to, that can see what you see, and take action - all with your permission, all more intuitive than ever. — Vision now GA globally + more on today's Windows blog: blogs.windows.com/windowsexper..…
@tomwarren.co.uk Tom Warren on bluesky
This is the future of Windows. Microsoft wants to rewrite Windows to turn computers into AI PCs that you talk to. It's now bringing AI features to all Windows 11 PCs today, in a bid to convince you to talk to your PC and let AI control it. Full details 👇 www.theverge.com/news/…
@harrymccracken@mastodon.social Harry McCracken on mastodon
I talked to a bunch of very experienced Microsoft executives about Windows 11's new voice-controlled AI and the long, long road that led to it, and got to think back to its many ancestors, all the way back to Windows 95's forgotten voice features. Here's my story! https://www.fa…
r/privacy r on reddit
AI-powered features begin creeping deeper into the bedrock of Windows 11 - Ars Technica
r/enshittification r on reddit
Microsoft announcing “a new wave of updates that make every Windows 11 PC an AI PC with Copilot at the center of it all.”
r/technology r on reddit
Microsoft wants you to talk to your PC and let AI control it | Microsoft is rewriting Windows to turn computers into AI PCs that you talk to
r/microsoft r on reddit
Microsoft announcing “a new wave of updates that make every Windows 11 PC an AI PC with Copilot at the center of it all.”
r/windows r on reddit
Making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC

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