Microsoft wants Copilot to automatically open at startup on Windows 11 PCs with wide screens

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A new default Windows setting will automatically show the Copilot interface when booting a PC with a wide screen. But aren't most PC screens wide?

Windows Copilot
(Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft is rolling out a new Windows 11 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel.
  • Today's build is 23615 and adds a feature that will automatically open the Windows Copilot interface upon boot on PCs with wide screens. 
  • The company says this behavior is just a test, and is not guaranteed to ship. Users will be able to disable the behavior.

Microsoft is back with a new Windows 11 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel, and this week's build is testing a controversial change that will see the Windows Copilot interface automatically launch upon boot on PCs with wide screens.  The company says it's "trying out" this behavior in the latest build, meaning it isn't guaranteed to ship.

If it does ship, users will have the choice to disable this behavior on their PC. Insiders who install today's build may not even see the change just yet, as it's rolling out in waves so not everyone will have it right away. 

Here is what the official Microsoft blog says about this feature:

"We are trying out opening Copilot automatically when Windows starts on widescreen devices with some Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. This can be managed via Settings > Personalization > Copilot."

The setting to enable or disable Copilot automatically appearing on boot. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Frustratingly, Microsoft doesn't specify what counts as a "wide screen" for this behavior to take effect. Does it include 16:9 and 16:10 displays, or is it only for true ultrawide displays such as 21:9? We don't currently know.

Having the Windows Copilot automatically appear when powering on a PC feels unnecessary currently, but this is likely laying the foundation for a much larger update to Copilot that is rumored to be in the works for the next major version of the Windows OS. 

Microsoft is rumored to be working on an advanced Copilot that will enhance productivity across apps, files, and search. Maybe users will want to have that version of the Copilot run automatically on start-up. As things currently stand, however, this seems like something that's just going to annoy most users.

Zac Bowden
Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • nop
    I like copilot but glad to see that users will be able to disable the behavior
    Reply
  • Arun Topez
    They are seriously getting desperate... this better be off by default when it rolls out. There's so many ports of entry to Copilot already with the big icon shoved in our faces both on the OS, apps, and soon hardware side, it's more annoying than anything at this point.
    Reply
  • naddy69
    ^^^ This.
    Reply
  • Jack Pipsam
    This is the exact sort of thing that makes people not like Microsoft/Windows.
    Surely if people want to use it, they'll open it. Or use the "new key" on their keyboard.

    Honestly this whole thing is going to be embarrassing when they give up within three years.
    Reply