By TechPowerUp
Publication Date: 2026-02-19 09:40:00
Microsoft has showcased its latest AI capabilities in the Windows 11 operating system, demonstrating what this planned integration will look like. The new interface, called “Ask Copilot,” is an optional feature that users can enable in place of the standard Windows Search. Once activated, it connects to Microsoft 365 services and allows users to summon specific agents in the taskbar by typing the “@” symbol, similar to tagging someone in a message thread. For example, one of these agents, the Researcher, can perform extended research tasks that run for ten minutes or longer in the background, with small taskbar indicators tracking its progress in a manner similar to file downloads.
Although this project contradicts with the company’s recent promise to step back from its “AI everywhere” strategy, this AI integration has been part of Microsoft’s long-term plan. In addition to the taskbar changes, Microsoft is adding a Copilot button inside File Explorer, which provides summaries and…
