In a surprising move, Microsoft has announced integrating the AI-powered Windows Copilot feature from Windows 11 into Windows 10, a significant exception for the aging but still widely used operating system. This decision comes as Windows 11 struggles to surpass the popularity of its predecessor, with only 27% adoption among Windows users.
The Copilot integration into Windows 10 has generated mixed reactions, with some users welcoming the addition of advanced AI features while others express concerns about potential performance impacts on older devices. Microsoft, aware of the challenges faced by Windows 11 adoption, strategically extends the reach of Copilot to maintain user engagement on the more prevalent Windows 10 platform.
The phased rollout of Copilot on Windows 10 will be available in the Windows Insider Release Preview channel, initially targeting North America, Asia, and South America. The preview version will be limited to Home and Pro editions of Windows 10, excluding Enterprise and Education editions and Pro PCs managed by organizations. Microsoft emphasizes its commitment to gathering user feedback during this preview phase to enhance the quality and performance of Copilot on Windows 10.
Bringing Copilot to Windows 10 is not without controversy, with critics arguing that Microsoft's resources should be directed toward promoting Windows 11 adoption rather than investing in AI features for an operating system approaching its end-of-service date in October 2025. However, Microsoft defends its decision, stating that the goal is to ensure everyone can maximize the value of their Windows PC, including Copilot.
The Windows 10 version of Copilot will require a PC with 4GB of RAM and at least a 720p display. It is expected to bring AI-powered text generation capabilities reminiscent of Bing Chat, a feature already in the Windows 11 version. Microsoft plans to roll out Copilot to North American users and select regions initially, with a broader release scheduled over time.
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