Microsoft promised a smarter, more integrated way to use your PC—and they delivered with Windows Copilot.
But the real question is:
Is it actually helpful or just another fancy feature?
We tested Windows 11 Copilot extensively and here’s everything you need to know—from performance and productivity to real-world use cases in Kenya and beyond.
What is Copilot in Windows 11?
Copilot is Microsoft’s built-in AI assistant for Windows 11. Think of it as ChatGPT meets your desktop.
It lives on your taskbar and integrates across apps like:
- Microsoft Edge
- Word & Excel
- Settings
- File Explorer
- Microsoft Teams
It’s designed to help with tasks like writing, summarizing, searching, navigating your PC, and even changing system settings via simple commands.
What Can Windows Copilot Do?
Here’s what we loved (and didn’t love) during our tests:
Pros:
- AI-Powered Productivity
Summarize long documents, rewrite emails, generate content—all without leaving your workflow. - Quick System Actions
Just type: “Turn on dark mode” or “Open Bluetooth settings.” Boom. Done. - Integrated Search
Search the web, your files, or your settings using natural language. - Cross-App Superpower
Works across Office apps and Edge for seamless multitasking.
Cons:
- Still in Beta Mode
It’s not always accurate or context-aware—especially with complex tasks. - Requires Internet
No offline AI processing. You’ll need a stable connection to get the most out of it. - Limited App Integration
Third-party app support is still minimal.
Who Should Use Copilot?
Students & Writers
Need to summarize notes or write faster? Copilot is your AI study buddy.
Professionals & Office Users
Copilot shines in Microsoft 365. If you use Word, Excel, or Teams daily, it can seriously boost your productivity.
Everyday Users in Kenya
If you often search for how-to settings or troubleshoot PC problems—Copilot is like having a personal tech assistant.
Real-World Test: Copilot in Daily Use
We used Copilot on a mid-range Windows laptop in Kenya with:
- Intel Core i5
- 8GB RAM
- Windows 11 (23H2 update)
- Stable 10MBps Wi-Fi connection
Tasks Performed:
- Rewriting an email draft ➡️ 9/10
- Asking for a recipe for Ugali-Sukuma wiki ➡️ 10/10
- Turning on focus mode ➡️ 10/10
- Editing Excel spreadsheet formulas ➡️ 8/10
- Finding system storage space ➡️ 10/10
Verdict?
Copilot is fast, helpful, and surprisingly accurate. But it’s best when paired with Microsoft apps.
How to Activate Copilot in Windows 11
- Make sure you’re running Windows 11 23H2 or later.
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Toggle on “Copilot (preview)”.
- Click the Copilot icon on your taskbar (or press Win + C).
That’s it—you’re now talking to AI on your desktop.
Final Verdict: Is Windows Copilot Worth It?
✅ Yes, for power users and productivity geeks.
✅ Yes, if you use Microsoft apps often.
❌ Not yet for heavy creative work or offline use.
As Microsoft keeps updating Copilot, it’s clear that AI is now baked into how we use PCs. It’s a game-changer for how we work, study, and create content.
In Kenya and across Africa, this could be the beginning of true AI-powered computing.
What Do You Think?
Have you tried Windows Copilot yet?
Do you think AI assistants like this are the future of computing?
Let us know in the comments!
