Have you ever wished your computer simply understood what you were trying to do?
Instead of clicking through menus.
Digging through folders.
Or searching online for instructions you know should be simple.
Microsoft is working on exactly that.
In the latest preview build of Windows 11, a new feature is being tested called Ask Copilot. And it is moving directly into one of the most visible parts of your screen. The taskbar.
Traditionally, when you search from the Windows taskbar, you are using a basic search box. It looks for files, apps, and settings based on keywords.
Ask Copilot upgrades that experience using AI.
Instead of simply listing results, it understands intent.
You could type something like:
Open the invoice template I used last month
Connect to the projector
How do I split this PDF
Rather than returning a list of links, Copilot can take action. It can open the file. Adjust the setting. Or generate a quick, relevant answer.
It is still search. Just significantly more helpful.
The new Ask Copilot feature also includes shortcuts to Copilot Vision and voice commands.
Copilot Vision helps interpret what is currently on your screen.
Voice commands allow you to speak instead of type.
For busy teams, that flexibility can reduce friction and speed up everyday tasks.
If this sounds like too much AI too quickly, Microsoft has built in choice.
Ask Copilot is not forced on users. It must be switched on manually in Settings under Personalisation and Taskbar.
If you prefer classic search, it remains unchanged.
This approach gives businesses time to evaluate whether the feature fits their workflows before enabling it across the organisation.
Microsoft has been clear that Ask Copilot does not gain additional access to your data.
It uses the same permissions and tools as standard Windows Search. It is not scanning files beyond what search already does, and it does not secretly monitor private content.
For businesses concerned about data exposure, that reassurance matters.
The real benefit here is not novelty. It is productivity.
Small interruptions throughout the day add up. Searching for documents. Adjusting settings. Looking up simple instructions online.
If AI can remove those micro-delays, your team gains back time and focus.
That means fewer distractions.
Faster task completion.
And technology that supports work rather than slowing it down.
Right now, Ask Copilot is only available in preview builds of Windows 11.
However, if testing goes well, a broader rollout is likely.
The bigger question is not whether it will arrive. It is whether your business will be ready to use it effectively.
At Perigon One, we help businesses adopt new technology in a way that improves workflows rather than complicating them.
Features like Ask Copilot can streamline daily operations, but only when implemented thoughtfully and aligned with how your team actually works.
If you would like guidance on preparing your environment for AI-enabled tools in Windows 11, our team is here to help.
