Windows 11 KB5072043 Brings Ask Copilot to the Taskbar for Business Users
Microsoft is expanding Copilot integration in Windows 11 with the latest Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043), which is now rolling out to the Dev and Beta Channels. This update introduces a business-focused version of Ask Copilot on the taskbar, following its earlier debut for consumer users.
The new experience, first teased at Microsoft Ignite, is designed for business and enterprise customers with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses. Microsoft says the rollout will happen gradually over the coming weeks, starting with Windows Insider Program members in the United States.
Ask Copilot on the taskbar acts as a single entry point for Microsoft 365 Copilot, AI agents, and Windows search. Instead of jumping between apps or panels, users can now engage Copilot directly from the taskbar using voice or text. The goal is to make Copilot feel like a natural extension of everyday PC use, rather than a separate tool.
With one-click access, commercial users can pull in contextual information tied to their work environment, including data surfaced through Microsoft 365 Copilot and connected AI agents. Agents can also be invoked directly from the taskbar using the tools button or by typing “@,” streamlining workflows that previously required multiple steps.
KB5072043 also introduces a refreshed, faster search experience within Ask Copilot, making it easier to locate apps, files, and system settings. Microsoft stresses that Ask Copilot relies on existing Windows APIs, similar to traditional Windows Search, and doesn’t grant Copilot unrestricted access to personal files or content.
You can try the feature by enabling it manually by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot.
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