Microsoft replaces PWA experience with native CoPilot app for Windows Insiders

Microsoft is bringing a native CoPilot app to Windows, the company announced on Tuesday. Offered to testers registered with the Windows Insider program, it replaces the Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) that were available until now. According to Microsoft, the native CoPilot for Windows app is being introduced as an update, after which it will appear in the system tray. Notably, the company recently introduced a number of features to Copilot, such as Copilot Vision and AI-powered Recall – both available in preview.

Native Copilot app has been launched

In a blog post, Microsoft detailed the features of the new native CoPilot app. It offers a new Quick View functionality, which enables users to access artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots using keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 and 11 PCs. They can open or close Quick View by pressing Alt + SpaceWhile it can also be moved or resized. The company says users can return to the main CoPilot app window by pressing the icon that appears on the top-left corner of the Quick View window.

According to Microsoft, this shortcut uses the RegisterHotKey function. It notes that many apps, including CoPilot, use this shortcut key. Thus, the app that is first launched on the PC or running in the background will become active while using it. Alt + Space Keyboard shortcuts.

Alternatively, users who have a PC with a dedicated CoPilot key can use it to instantly bring up the AI ​​chatbot on the screen. According to the company, it will explore other options related to keyboard shortcuts for the app in the future.

Microsoft further says that its native Copilot app is running on Insider Channels through the Microsoft Store. This brings the app version to 1.24112.123.0 and higher. However, its rollout is happening gradually, thus, not all Windows Insiders may see it immediately. Widespread visibility may take a few days.