In a surprising move that caught many Windows users off guard, Microsoft is set to roll out its revolutionary AI-powered Copilot to Windows 10. This unexpected announcement comes just months after Microsoft hinted at the conclusion of major updates for Windows 10. It seems the tech giant is keen on ensuring that the millions of PCs yet to make the leap to Windows 11 can still benefit from cutting-edge features like Copilot.
Aaron Woodman, the Vice President of Windows Marketing, expressed the significance of this move, stating, “It’s a key opportunity for us to bring Copilot value to more customers.” With Windows 10’s end of support looming within two years, Microsoft is strategically leveraging its AI ambitions to tap into the vast user base that continues to operate on the older platform.
The Copilot experience in Windows 10 mirrors its Windows 11 counterpart, featuring a conveniently placed button on the right-hand side of the taskbar for quick access to the chatbot. And for those who prefer a cleaner interface, fear not – you can remove that button. However, it’s worth noting that while the core functionality aligns, there will be differences in controlling Windows features and settings between the two versions.
Woodman shed light on these disparities, saying, “There are certainly some skills or actions you can take in Windows 11 that do not exist in Windows 10, so therefore wouldn’t be skills inside Copilot.” This acknowledgment hints at the evolving nature of Copilot and the tailored experience it aims to offer across different Windows versions.
Windows 10 boasts lower hardware requirements compared to Windows 11, with Microsoft suggesting a minimum of 4GB of RAM and a 720p screen resolution for optimal Copilot performance. The current testing phase involves Windows 10 Home and Pro users, with plans to extend Copilot to commercial versions of Windows 10 in the near future.
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In a recent support note, Microsoft hinted at broader enhancements for Windows 10, stating, “revisiting our approach to Windows 10 and will be making additional investments to make sure everyone can get the maximum value from their Windows PC including Copilot in Windows (in preview).” This could mean more AI features heading to Windows 10, potentially enriching the user experience beyond Copilot.
When asked about the possibility of features like the new AI capabilities of Paint in Windows 11 making their way to Windows 10, Woodman responded, “We’re still evaluating whether we can bring that type of functionality back to Windows 10, but we’ll look at it for sure.” This leaves the door open for further AI integration in Windows 10’s future.
Despite these exciting developments, the end-of-support date for Windows 10 remains unchanged, standing firm at October 14th, 2025. Woodman clarified, “This is the last version of Windows 10, so that’s 22H2, we’re not changing any of that with Windows 10.” This firm stance has left many wondering about the fate of Windows 10, especially considering its widespread use and the slower adoption rate of Windows 11.
Recent reports indicate that Windows 11 has reached just 400 million devices after two years, a stark contrast to Windows 10, which achieved the same milestone a year after its release and surpassed 600 million devices shortly after its two-year anniversary. Microsoft’s decision to introduce Copilot to Windows 10 could be seen as a strategic move to bridge the gap between the two operating systems.
Looking ahead, there are whispers of a new Windows version slated for 2024, with Intel teasing a “Windows refresh.” This teaser follows leaked references to a Windows 12 version from internal Intel documents.
As the tech world eagerly anticipates what’s next, Microsoft’s commitment to evolving Windows 10 through initiatives like Copilot demonstrates a dedication to providing users with innovative and accessible technologies. Only time will tell how these developments will shape the future of Windows and the overall computing experience for millions around the globe.