Individuals who are still adhering to Windows 10 or are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 now have the opportunity to explore one of the most talked-about features in recent years. Shortly after Microsoft confirmed the extension of Copilot to Windows 10, users with eligible devices can install a Release Preview build, granting them access to the generative AI-powered assistant.
To participate in the preview and potentially experience Copilot on Windows 10 Home or Pro, enrollment in the Windows Insider tester program is required. However, immediate access to the chatbot is not guaranteed, as Microsoft indicates that it may take time for devices to be confirmed as eligible. To expedite access once eligibility is confirmed, Microsoft recommends enabling “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Running Copilot necessitates a system with a minimum of 4GB of RAM and a display adapter supporting a resolution of at least 720p. It’s important to note that the preview of the chatbot is currently limited to select markets, including North America and certain areas of Asia and South America, potentially restricting access based on geographical location.
There are certain peculiarities that might hinder your exploration of Copilot on Windows 10. It is not functional if you place your taskbar on the left or right side of your display; a horizontal orientation is necessary. Copilot also has limited compatibility with multi-monitor setups, with the icon visible only on the primary display. Additionally, for the time being, Copilot is unavailable on Windows 10 Pro machines managed by an organization.
To initiate Copilot when it becomes available on your device, click the icon on the right side of the taskbar. The chatbot enables you to ask questions, manage Windows features, and interact with documents. Notably, Copilot operates slightly differently on Windows 10 due to the absence of certain Windows 11 features. Some key applications in the newer OS already incorporate their own generative AI-based features.
The rationale behind Microsoft’s decision to introduce Copilot to Windows 10 is not shrouded in mystery. Windows 10 still dominates approximately 69 percent of Windows-based desktops, compared to the roughly 26 percent running Windows 11. With hundreds of millions of PCs still operating on Windows 10, presenting Copilot as available on over a billion computers (contrasted with the estimated 400 million running Windows 11) could be a more enticing prospect for the company’s investors.
