Microsoft Copilot Gets a New Home in Windows Taskbar

Microsoft continues to update Copilot’s integration with Windows. Earlier this year, Copilot was downgraded to a Progressive Web App (PWA). Now, Windows testers are receiving an update that replaces the PWA with a more integrated, “native” experience.

This update introduces a new keyboard shortcut and a quick-view user interface. The updated Copilot quick view hovers above the taskbar. This is similar to Microsoft’s new Companion apps, which are currently testing for files, contacts, and calendar entries.

Users can activate the quick view via the new Alt + Space keyboard shortcut or the system tray. While the quick view itself doesn’t offer new functionality, it remains visible above all other apps until dismissed back to the taskbar or by pressing Alt + Space again.

Here is what it looks like.

While this new keyboard shortcut – Alt+Space – could cause some confusion, especially for users of other apps that already utilize it, Microsoft is determined to integrate it with Copilot’s quick view feature.

This new feature, along with Copilot’s quick view, will be accessible on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. This move is somewhat surprising, given Microsoft’s stated plans to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. However, the company recently reopened beta testing for new Windows 10 features, aiming to “maximize the value” for users still relying on the older operating system.

Originally launched as Windows Copilot in Windows 11 last year, Microsoft’s AI assistant was initially a more integrated part of the operating system, appearing as a sidebar across various apps.

However, with the introduction of Copilot Plus PCs, Microsoft downgraded the app to a basic web version, limiting its functionality. Despite claiming that the latest version is “native,” it’s essentially a web view with a slightly more integrated appearance.