The Return of Windows 10: Microsoft’s AI-Powered Copilot Assistant Takes Center Stage

In a surprising turn of events, Windows 10 is making a comeback, and it’s bringing along Microsoft’s cutting-edge AI-powered Copilot assistant. However, before you get too excited, it’s worth noting that Windows 10’s end-of-support date for October 2025 is, for the time being, unchanged.

Over the past couple of years, Windows 11 has been the star of the show, receiving numerous substantial updates for its built-in apps. Meanwhile, Windows 10 users have been left wondering when they’ll get a taste of the action. Despite its status as the most widely used Windows version globally, Windows 10 has seen only a few updates trickle down. Notable exceptions include the revamped Outlook app and ongoing improvements to Microsoft Edge.

Today, Microsoft is breaking the mold with a significant announcement. The highly acclaimed AI-driven Windows Copilot feature from Windows 11 is being retrofitted for Windows 10, and it’s slated to debut in the Windows Insider Release Preview channel. This version of Copilot, initially branded as a preview, will be accessible for both Home and Pro editions of Windows 10. However, there’s a catch—it won’t be rolled out to “managed” versions of Windows 10 just yet. This includes Enterprise and Education editions, as well as Pro PCs governed by IT departments.

Microsoft expressed its eagerness to broaden Copilot’s reach, stating, “We are hearing great feedback on Copilot in Windows (in preview), and we want to extend that value to more people.” This strategic shift is a clear sign of Microsoft’s commitment to ensuring that all Windows users, including those on Windows 10, can enjoy the benefits of Copilot.

For those interested in trying out Copilot on Windows 10, the minimum system requirements are a PC with 4GB of RAM and at least a 720p display. Fortunately, all Windows 11 PCs meet these requirements, eliminating any concerns about compatibility. Initially, the feature will be rolled out to North American users and select regions in Asia and South America before expanding to other countries over time.

While Microsoft’s blog post is somewhat light on specific details about Copilot’s capabilities on Windows 10, we can draw some insights from the Windows 11 version. Copilot on Windows 11 has the power to tweak various system settings and assist with documents stored on your PC. A glimpse at the Windows 10 version suggests a focus on Bing Chat-style, ChatGPT-powered text generation.

In addition to Copilot, the Windows 10 November preview update brings several minor enhancements and an extensive list of bug fixes. Notably, it introduces the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle, mirroring a feature from Windows 11 that automates the installation of preview updates.

Despite this significant update, Windows 10’s overall support timeline remains unaltered. Version 22H2 stands as the final major update, and security updates are still set to conclude on October 14, 2025—just under two years from now. Microsoft representatives declined to comment on Windows 10’s enduring popularity and the number of PCs that may remain unable to transition to Windows 11. However, they did note that Windows 11 adoption was surpassing internal expectations.

While some PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 for continued security updates, the stricter system requirements of the newer OS will leave a substantial portion of Windows 10 devices behind. Although the exact number remains uncertain, Windows 10 maintains its dominance as the most widely used Windows version.

Despite the looming end-of-support date for Windows 10, Microsoft’s decision to extend Copilot support to the older OS makes sense. According to Statcounter data for both US and global PC usage, Windows 10 still commands a significant share of the market. While some AI functions are accessible through the Copilot integrated into Microsoft Edge, this browser only captures a fraction of desktop browsing.

Microsoft’s strategy for 2023 appears to be all about casting a wide net with its AI endeavors, ensuring their integration across its product lineup. Extending Copilot to Windows 10 is a bold move to introduce this innovative service to a broader audience, marking another step in Microsoft’s journey towards an AI-powered future.