Microsoft Integrates Copilot Across Windows 12 as Default AI Laye...

Microsoft officially released Windows 12, which ships with Copilot embedded at the operating system level as a persistent AI layer rather than a standalone application. Copilot in Windows 12 can summarise documents open in any application, draft replies to emails without switching windows, generate images directly from the clipboard, and manage system settings through natural language commands. The AI layer runs a hybrid inference model using Qualcomm and Intel neural processing units for local tasks and Azure cloud for heavier workloads. Microsoft confirmed Windows 12 will roll out as a free upgrade to Windows 11 users starting March 2026 and will require at least 16 gigabytes of RAM and a compatible NPU chip. Privacy advocates have urged Microsoft to provide opt-out controls for users who do not wish their on-screen content to be processed by the AI layer.