Microsoft Copilot
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| Basic Information | |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Product Type | |
| In Production | Yes |
| Official Website | https://copilot.microsoft.com/ |
Microsoft Copilot is a generative AI assistant developed by Microsoft. Built on OpenAI's GPT-4 and GPT-5 series of large language models and fine-tuned with Microsoft's proprietary Prometheus model, Copilot launched in 2023 as Microsoft's primary replacement for the discontinued Cortana virtual assistant. The service originally debuted in February 2023 under the name Bing Chat before Microsoft expanded the Copilot branding throughout its product ecosystem later that year.[1][2]
Copilot is available on Windows 10 and 11, macOS, iOS, Android, and through web browsers. On Windows, it can be launched from the taskbar, via the dedicated Copilot key introduced on new keyboards in January 2024, or through the voice command "Hey, Copilot." Additional features include Copilot Voice for real-time voice conversations powered by GPT-4o, and Copilot Vision, which can analyze on-screen content and provide guidance in real time.
Consumer impact summary
[edit | edit source]User freedom
[edit | edit source]Due to the aggressive methods Microsoft has used to force consumers to use the product, Copilot has gained a mostly negative reputation amongst Windows and Microsoft products consumers.
User privacy
[edit | edit source]Windows Recall, a Copilot-powered software, has raised a lot of privacy concerns because of its ability to take screenshots of extremely sensitive data, such as passwords or credit card information.
Incidents
[edit | edit source]Recall
[edit | edit source]- Main article: Microsoft Copilot's recall feature
In 2024, Microsoft unveiled Recall for Copilot+ PCs, marketed as a way for users to search through what they have done on their computer by recording their screen. This sparked controversy,[3] especially among security experts[4] who worried about the security of screenshots,[5] since it could easily document private information like social-security numbers, bank-account information, and passwords, as well as user browsing behavior. A Python script was developed, called "TotalRecall", that collects the screenshots and descriptions of these recordings,[6] proving the danger of Recall. This feature was delayed after backlash from users.[7]
In 2025, Microsoft re-released Recall,[8] with claims that the tool has resolved the security flaws and it coming disabled by default.[9] However, despite integrating better security, having this feature enabled continues to pose privacy risks for consumers, as it is only a matter of when a vulnerability is discovered for the problems both consumers and businesses initially had with the tool to resurface,[10][11] especially since it is difficult for users to inspect the screenshots that are taken by the tool.
Lawsuits
[edit | edit source]See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ Medhi, Yusuf (7 Feb 2023). "Reinventing search with a new AI-powered Microsoft Bing and Edge, your copilot for the web". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 28 Feb 2023. Retrieved 25 Sep 2026.
- ↑ Spataro, Jared (16 Mar 2023). "Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot – your copilot for work". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 31 Mar 2023. Retrieved 25 Sep 2026.
- ↑ Allan, Darren (2024-05-23). "Microsoft's controversial Recall feature for Windows 11 could already be in legal hot water". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 2025-10-02. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Hassan, Nihad (2024-11-04). "Privacy and security risks surrounding Microsoft Recall". TechTarget. Archived from the original on 2025-12-09. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Carroll, Mickey (2024-05-22). "Microsoft AI feature investigated by UK watchdog over screenshots". Sky News. Archived from the original on 2026-02-03.
- ↑ Hagenah, Alex (2026-09-24), TotalRecall, archived from the original on 2026-02-04, retrieved 2026-09-25
- ↑ Arntz, Pieter (2024-06-17). "Microsoft Recall delayed after privacy and security concerns". Malwarebytes. Archived from the original on 2025-12-29. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Davenport, Corbin (2025-04-25). "Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out After Controversial Reveal". How-To Geek. Archived from the original on 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ LeClair, Dave (2025-04-11). "Microsoft Recall is rolling out following major controversy — what you need to know". Tom's Guide. Archived from the original on 2025-11-19. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Lewis, Nick (2025-05-05). "Turn Off Windows' Recall to Protect Your Privacy". How-To Geek. Archived from the original on 2026-02-16. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Piltch, Avram (2025-08-01). "Microsoft Recall can still nab credit cards, passwords, info". theregister. Archived from the original on 2026-02-01. Retrieved 2026-09-25.