Microsoft Grants Copilot Local File Access via 'Hybrid Intelligence'
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
The software giant is integrating AI agents into Windows to automate file management and OS tasks.
Microsoft is expanding the capabilities of its Copilot AI system to allow it to access local files and perform actions across the Windows operating system, according to reporting from The Verge.
During a Surface Laptop Ultra event, Microsoft EVP of Copilot Jacob Andreou demonstrated a feature called "Hybrid Intelligence." This framework utilizes a combination of cloud and local AI models to execute complex tasks. In a video demo, Andreou showed the Autopilot tool managing a tax filing request; the AI agent searched through various folders to locate specific documents, renamed the files, compressed them into a zip folder, and drafted an email to an accountant.
Beyond file management, Microsoft is introducing a revamped Windows search experience. Pavan Davuluri, the head of Windows and Surface, stated that this update will allow users to perform quick actions directly from the search bar, such as adjusting microphone volume via an in-line slider, enabling dark mode, or sending text messages.
According to Andreou, the features powered by Hybrid Intelligence are expected to roll out to Copilot over the next few months. The updated search experience is slated for release this fall on Windows 11 PCs.