• AI was the core technology Microsoft focused on at its Build conference this week.
• Windows 11 is getting a new feature called Copilot that allows for deep integration with AI plugins for ChatGPT and Bing.
• The Microsoft Store is also getting a bespoke AI Hub in a bid to get users to engage with the technology more proactively.

Microsoft’s AI Build Conference took place on Monday and wouldn’t you guess but artificial intelligence was the star that its presentations orbited.

The Redmond-based firm’s investment in OpenAI has allowed it to integrate the likes of ChatGPT into its own suite of products and now, Windows 11 is getting a host of new AI features.

Let’s start with Windows Copilot.

This new Windows 11 feature is like Cortana but a lot more capable. Take a look at some of its features in the clip below:

The feature is integrated with Bing Chat as well as plugins from Microsoft itself and third-party developers.

“Once open, the Windows Copilot side bar stays consistent across your apps, programs and windows, always available to act as your personal assistant. It makes every user a power user, helping you take action, customize your settings and seamlessly connect across your favorite apps. The things you love about Windows – copy/paste, Snap Assist, Snipping Tool, personalization – they are all right there for you, along with every other feature on the platform, and they only get better with Windows Copilot. For example, you can not only copy and paste, but also ask Windows Copilot to rewrite, summarize or explain your content,” chief product officer of Windows and Devices, Panos Panay wrote in a blog.

The tech firm is also encouraging developers to create plugins for Bing and ChatGPT as these can ultimately be used in Windows Copilot. To that end, the firm is introducing a number of new tools for developers allowing them to create plugins for these AI tools more easily.

While Copilot does sound interesting, it’s entering preview in June so it may take a while to reach the final release build of Windows 11. That having been said, it’s an attractive feature we suspect may be alluring to those on the fence about moving from Windows 10.

Microsoft Store gets an AI aisle

Not only is Windows 11 getting AI baked into the desktop experience, the Microsoft Store is getting a dedicated AI Hub.

“As AI disrupts existing workflows and creates exciting new opportunities for customers, we see an opportunity to evolve and think differently about the role of the Microsoft Store on Windows. It’s not just a place to download an app or a game, but rather, it should serve as a resource to educate customers about how they can be more productive, achieve their tasks, and discover new content,” general manager of the Microsoft Store, Giorgio Sardo writes.

This AI Hub will highlight a number of applications that users can test out for themselves. While there appear to be free applications and tools, we suspect there will also be paid tools. Hopefully none that charge money for tools you can use for free but Microsoft says it has that covered.

“All the content will be tested for security, family safety, and device compatibility – so you are always in control,” Sardo said.

However, not all implementations of AI in the Store are good.

One confusing feature is AI-Generated review summaries. As the name suggests, this feature will summarise reviews so you don’t have to sift through hundreds of them yourself. We feel like this could potentially be gamed to showcase favourable reviews of a less than favourable app, but we’re sure Microsoft has thought of that.

It remains to be seen if Microsoft’s AI tools are enough of a carrot for users to migrate to Windows 11. So far uptake of the operating system has been poor, and with Windows 10 reaching end of life in 2025, Microsoft looks to be doing its best but we don’t know if its enough.

Especially with Windows 11 demanding many users to upgrade their hardware.