Microsoft Copilot Arrives in Windows File Explorer

You thought File Explorer was safe from AI? You were wrong. Windows hacker/leaker @phantomofearth (via Windows Central) recently noticed that Microsoft is testing adding Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot, to Windows File Explorer. Discovered in a preview build of Windows 11, an invisible button lodged in the File Explorer will (likely) allow you to "Chat with Copilot." We don't know how the button will be used, exactly, but it's likely to allow users to get Copilot's help on a document they've selected in File Explorer. Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! File Explorer already allows users to invoke Copilot through the right click contextual menu. A dedicated button would integrate the AI assistant even deeper with File Explorer. Phantomofearth also shared a Windows screenshot with two Copilot prompts showing up in the Taskbar. While this is likely a bug, users immediately started making fun of Microsoft, calling the new OS "Winslop 11." The fact is, a lot of people simply don't want AI being omnipresent in the software they use every single day, but this probably won't stop Microsoft from adding Copilot to yet another key part of Windows. Copilot recently made headlines as LG started forcing it onto some of its smart TVs, though the company did ultimately relent, promising it will allow users to delete unwanted Copilot shortcuts.