The vast majority of Windows’ native applications have undergone significant enhancements over the past twenty years. With each successive update, features such as the program tray, Start menu, Settings app, and taskbar have seen notable evolution. However, only a limited number of these updates have been rolled out for Windows 10, which remains the most widely used version of Windows globally by all officially available metrics. Noteworthy exceptions to this include the updated Outlook application and the ongoing development of Microsoft Edge.
The new AI-driven Windows Copilot feature from Windows 11 is now being backported to Windows 10. It will be accessible through the Windows Insider Transfer Preview path for Windows 10 users. This move represents a significant departure for the company. Initially, the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 will have access to this Copilot feature, which may be initially introduced as a teaser. However, this functionality will not be available for Windows 10’s Enterprise and Education editions, as well as for Pro PCs that are domain-connected or managed by an IT department, at least for the time being.
In a separate blog post, Microsoft stated, “We are receiving positive feedback on Copilot in Windows (in preview), and we aim to extend that value to a larger audience.” To ensure that all Windows users can maximize their PC experience, including the preview version of Copilot in Windows, we are reevaluating our approach to Windows 10 and making additional investments.
While all Windows 11 PCs inherently meet the necessary requirements, Microsoft did not previously specify these minimum requirements. The Windows 10 iteration of Copilot will necessitate a PC with a minimum of 4GB of RAM and at least a 720p display to function. Users in North America, as well as select regions in Asia and South America, will be the first to access this feature, with a gradual rollout to other countries over time.
The blog post from Microsoft somewhat oversimplifies the capabilities of Copilot for Windows 10. The screenshot shared by Microsoft of the Windows 10 version primarily showcases Bing Chat-style, ChatGPT-powered text generation. In contrast, the Windows 11 version can manipulate various system settings and interact with documents stored on the PC.
Furthermore, minor enhancements, including an extensive list of bug fixes, have been incorporated into the Windows 10 November demo release, which also includes Copilot. Additionally, the release features a toggle for Windows Update that enables users to “get the latest updates as soon as they are available,” allowing for automatic installation of preview updates without manual intervention.
Despite being Microsoft’s most significant update since the introduction of Windows 11 in late 2021, this release does not impact the extended support timeline for Windows 10. Security updates are anticipated to cease on October 14, 2025, less than two years from now. Version 22H2 remains the latest major system update currently available. Microsoft representatives, when questioned about the persistently high usage of Windows 10 and the number of PCs that may not meet the upgrade requirements, simply noted that Windows 11 adoption has surpassed internal targets.
While a significant number of devices may not meet the stricter system requirements of the newer operating system, some may still be eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates. Although the exact number of such devices remains uncertain, the adoption of Windows 11 has slowed in recent months, with Windows 10 still dominating as the most widely used operating system.
Microsoft’s decision to extend Copilot support to the older Windows 10 OS is understandable, despite the impending end-of-support deadline for Windows 10. According to Statcounter data for US devices and worldwide usage, Windows 10 still accounts for over two-thirds of all active Windows installations. By integrating a version of Copilot into Microsoft Edge, these users can access certain AI features, although Edge only represents approximately 10% of all PC searches in the US.
Extending Copilot to Windows 10 will make this feature available to a broader user base that may not have access to it otherwise. Microsoft’s strategy for 2023 appears to focus on casting a wide net with its AI initiatives and swiftly integrating them into as many products as feasible.
