Product Introduction

1. Copilot Vision on Windows is an AI-powered feature integrated into the Windows operating system that enables real-time screen analysis and contextual guidance. It allows the AI companion to visually interpret on-screen content, applications, and workflows to provide immediate assistance. The feature uses "Highlights" to visually demonstrate steps for completing tasks directly within apps.
2. The core value of Copilot Vision lies in its ability to streamline workflows by reducing interruptions and offering in-context support. It enhances productivity by analyzing user actions, predicting needs, and delivering actionable insights without requiring manual input or navigation away from active tasks.

Main Features

1. Real-Time Screen Analysis: Copilot Vision processes live screen content to identify UI elements, text, and workflows, enabling context-aware assistance. It dynamically adapts to user activities, such as browsing, document editing, or app configuration, to provide relevant suggestions.
2. Multi-App Context Integration: The feature simultaneously interacts with up to two shared apps or browser windows, allowing cross-application guidance. For example, it can correlate data between a spreadsheet and a presentation tool to automate formatting or data transfer tasks.
3. Highlights for Task Completion: When users ask "show me how," Copilot Vision overlays visual indicators like click targets, dropdown arrows, or text fields within apps. This step-by-step guidance includes tooltips and animated cues to demonstrate complex actions like photo editing or software settings adjustments.

Problems Solved

1. Context Switching Overload: Eliminates the need to manually search for tutorials or switch between help documents and active tasks. Users receive guidance directly within their workflow, minimizing cognitive load and task abandonment.
2. Target User Groups: Designed for multitasking professionals, students, and casual users who require on-demand technical support. It particularly benefits those unfamiliar with advanced app functionalities or Windows-specific workflows.
3. Use Case Scenarios: Assists in troubleshooting software errors, optimizing creative projects (e.g., adjusting photo lighting in editing tools), and validating travel preparations by cross-referencing itinerary details with external data sources.

Unique Advantages

1. Native Windows Integration: Unlike third-party screen-reading tools, Copilot Vision operates at the OS level with direct access to system APIs, ensuring lower latency and broader app compatibility. This integration enables precise UI element detection and system-wide command execution.
2. Adaptive Visual Prompts: The Highlights system uses spatial mapping to overlay instructions relative to active windows, maintaining positional accuracy even when resizing or moving applications. This prevents misaligned guidance common in browser-based helper tools.
3. Privacy-Centric Design: All screen analysis occurs locally on the device unless explicitly shared, with granular controls for app-specific permissions. This contrasts with cloud-dependent alternatives that require continuous screen recording uploads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I enable Copilot Vision on my Windows device? Open the Copilot app, click the glasses icon in the composer panel, and select the apps or browser windows to share. The feature requires Windows 10/11 version 22H2 or later and a minimum display resolution of 720p.
2. Does Copilot Vision store or transmit my screen data? Screen processing occurs locally unless you voluntarily share content via the "Deep Research" feature. Users can terminate sharing instantly via the composer’s Stop/X buttons, with no background data retention.
3. When will Copilot Vision expand beyond the U.S.? Microsoft plans phased releases in non-European markets through Q4 2025, prioritizing regions with high Windows Insider Program participation. Enterprise customers can request early access via Copilot for Business licenses.
4. Which applications support Highlights-guided tasks? All UWP apps and most Win32 applications with standardized UI frameworks are compatible, including Microsoft 365, Edge, and Photos. Support for third-party apps like Adobe Photoshop is in beta testing.
5. What hardware specifications are required? A dedicated GPU with DirectX 12 support and 4GB VRAM is recommended for real-time rendering of Highlights. The feature requires 8GB RAM minimum and a dual-core processor for stable operation.