Microsoft announced at its fall Surface event that it will turn part of the Windows 11 taskbar into a chatbot-like search experience. The redesigned Search menu, rolling out this fall, lets users type short commands to perform actions across the operating system rather than just finding files and apps. Executive vice president Pavan Davuluri demonstrated toggling settings like dark mode and do not disturb, as well as interacting with the Copilot app without launching it separately.
The new interface is designed to be faster and more contextual. For example, typing "increase mic volume" brings up a volume slider directly above the command prompt, and users with a paired phone can send text messages from the taskbar. Davuluri framed the change as bringing AI into everyday workflows: "We're moving into a future where everyone can simply express what they want, and their Windows PC, with their permission, can take action on their behalf."
The announcement is notable because Microsoft had promised less than a year ago to strip unnecessary Copilot integration from Windows 11. This redesign appears to reverse that stance by embedding AI more deeply into a core system feature, though the source does not indicate how the company reconciles the two positions.