How to try Microsoft's new AI assistant Copilot on Windows 10

Exploring Microsoft's AI Assistant Copilot on Windows 10 Before Its Time

Microsoft's latest AI assistant, Copilot, is now open to Windows 10 users for testing, contrary to earlier expectations that it would only be available as part of Windows 11. If you're curious to try out Copilot's features but aren't ready to upgrade to Windows 11 yet, you're in luck! This guide will walk you through the steps to get the latest version of Windows 10 and experience Copilot for yourself.

Testing Windows 10 Copilot

To utilize Copilot on Windows 10, you'll need to join Microsoft's Windows Insider Program, which grants you early access to new features before they're released to the public. Currently, Copilot is only available as part of the Windows 10 Release Preview channel, but it's likely to become accessible for all Windows 10 users within just a few days or weeks.

Here's how to join the Windows Insider Program and explore Copilot in Windows 10:

1. Launch the Start menu and search for "Insider" in the taskbar. Look for "Advanced Windows Update Options" and click on it.
2. Click on the "Get Insider Build" option to gain a sneak peek of Copilot in Windows 10. Be sure to restart your computer after applying the update..
3. Pick a preview channel based on your preferences. If you're eager to access Copilot, simply choose the Review Preview channel, which gives you a beta version of the update. This means fewer bugs should be present, effectively minimizing any issues when using your computer.

What sets Copilot apart in Windows 10?

Though Copilot under Windows 10 will share many similarities with its Windows 11 counterpart, it's crucial to note some differences in functionality due to the absence of certain features in Windows 10. Some capabilities may never become available on Windows 10, but testing the updated version of Windows 10 allows you to enjoy Copilot without having to upgrade to the latest operating system.

Copilot operates on OpenAI's earlier GPT platform and allows text generation, question answering, and more, all within your desktop's sidebar. Enjoy exploring this feature-packed AI assistant on your current Windows 10 setup!

Source:

Steps to enable Copilot on Windows 10 (Enrichment Data):

1. Ensure Compatibility: Copilot is currently available on Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, particularly on Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs. While Windows 10 isn't explicitly mentioned, you may need to use a compatible Windows 11 build to access the feature. If you're using a Windows 10 PC, you may need to upgrade to a compatible Windows 11 build.
2. Join the Windows Insider Program: Join the Windows Insider Program by going to the Settings app, then navigate to Update & Security > Windows Insider Program and follow the prompts to enroll.
3. Install the Required Build: You need to install a specific build that supports Copilot. Currently, the latest build mentioned is 26120.3073, which is available in the Dev channel for Windows 11 Insiders. Check for updates and install this build if available.
4. Enable Copilot: Once you have the required build, Copilot should be enabled by default. However, if you encounter any issues or need to manually enable it, look for specific settings related to Copilot in the Settings app.
5. Check for Updates: Microsoft is gradually rolling out the AI-powered Windows Search experience to Insiders. If you're not seeing Copilot features, check for updates and ensure you're running the latest build.

By following these steps, you should be able to enable and use Copilot on your Windows 11 PC before its public release. However, if you're strictly using a Windows 10 PC, you would need to upgrade to a compatible Windows 11 build to access these features.