Windows 11 users, it’s time to meet the “native” version of Microsoft’s Copilot, which is officially rolling out for all users via the Microsoft Store. If you’ve been eagerly anticipating a more deeply integrated, Windows-first AI assistant, there's good news—but with asterisk-worthy caveats. While Microsoft has finally replaced the last iteration of Copilot (a Progressive Web App or PWA) with this so-called “native” version, it might not fit everyone’s definition of "native." Let’s break down what’s new, what’s problematic—and whether installing this update is worth your time.
Sounds undeniably native, right? Not so fast. At its core, the app relies heavily on WebView2, a technology that essentially embeds a web browser (in this case, Edge) into your app. So, even though it looks and feels like a standalone application, it’s essentially running a glorified version of copilot.microsoft.com inside a lightweight shell. Picture running a customized webpage in a browser window, and you’ve got the basic gist.
The result? A hybrid that leans more “web” than “native,” despite its sleek window dressing. If you poke around under the hood, you’ll even notice that actions within Copilot frequently launch Microsoft Edge—like when you click a download link or trigger certain background processes.
For now, Copilot's native update feels more like a stepping stone than a definitive fix. As we look ahead, maybe—just maybe—the next iteration will fulfill Microsoft’s lofty promises!
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11’s new native Copilot rolls out to everyone, but it consumes more RAM
Natively Native? Spoiler Alert: Not Entirely.
Microsoft is touting this version of Copilot as the native app Windows has always deserved. But the word “native” might not mean what you think. Yes, the app integrates better into the Windows 11 ecosystem, popping up in the system tray when you open it, bringing a more polished user interface courtesy of the WinAppSDK and WinUI frameworks, and even allowing shortcuts likeAlt + Space for quick access.Sounds undeniably native, right? Not so fast. At its core, the app relies heavily on WebView2, a technology that essentially embeds a web browser (in this case, Edge) into your app. So, even though it looks and feels like a standalone application, it’s essentially running a glorified version of copilot.microsoft.com inside a lightweight shell. Picture running a customized webpage in a browser window, and you’ve got the basic gist.
The result? A hybrid that leans more “web” than “native,” despite its sleek window dressing. If you poke around under the hood, you’ll even notice that actions within Copilot frequently launch Microsoft Edge—like when you click a download link or trigger certain background processes.
What’s New in Copilot Version 3.0?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what this update brings to the table—along with a look at where it stumbles:The Good
- New UI Features
- The redesigned app feels more cohesive, with native Windows title bars, integrated system tray functionality, and smoother in-app navigation.
- The ability to quickly launch Copilot in Compact View using a hotkey (
Alt + Space) brings a level of convenience akin to productivity assistants like ChatGPT for macOS. - Deeper System Integration
- Finally, Copilot appears more tightly linked with Windows processes, at least on the surface. It works independently of the Browser-Edge-PWA framework, moving closer to system-level utility.
- Modernized Framework
- Built with WinAppSDK alongside WinUI enhancements, it feels snappier to interact with basic interface elements…and hey, it’s no longer the Bing sidebar from its earliest iteration.
- Additional Support Features
- Background processes now ensure Copilot won’t just vanish into obscurity—it always has a presence in the system tray.
The Bad (and the Ugly)
- High RAM Usage
- In-house testing has revealed that this new so-called native Copilot is a resource hog. RAM consumption reportedly floats between 650 MB and a staggering 1.5 GB during active usage. This happens because of the WebView-based architecture, which effectively treats Copilot as another independent Edge browser instance.
- So, if your system struggles to juggle memory-intensive tasks or apps, brace yourself—Copilot might not play nice with your workday multitasking.
- Still Web-Powered
- At its heart, the app relies on a WebView2 layer to fetch content and data from Microsoft's Copilot servers. This makes the app less “local-first” and more internet-dependent than “true” native apps.
- The Edge Dependency Problem
- If you had dreams of avoiding Microsoft’s preferred ecosystem for browsers (e.g., preferring Chrome, Brave, or open-source alternatives), sorry to disappoint. Copilot will forcefully rely on Microsoft Edge processes for several tasks and even display Edge-specific dialog boxes.
- Comparison With ChatGPT
- Over on macOS, ChatGPT comes with a true-to-form native application that’s tightly integrated into Apple’s UI paradigms. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Copilot appears to be stuck in a limbo between being bleeding-edge and clumsy.
The Evolution of Copilot: A Bumpy Ride
Microsoft’s Copilot has never followed a straight road. Its journey has been characterized by trial-and-error iterations that hint at big potential—but often fail to deliver.- Early Beginnings: The Sidebar Saga
- First introduced as a sidebar in Windows 11, the original Copilot was out of sync with the OS’s design principles. It was seen as little more than a gateway to Bing Chat, wrapped in clunky menus and unpolished buttons.
- The PWA Phases (Versions 1 & 2)
- Later, Microsoft experimented with more responsive Progressive Web Apps, mimicking some of ChatGPT’s sleekness. These updates included visual redesigns and speed improvements but often still underwhelmed users.
- The (So-Called) Native Update
- With the new WinAppSDK build, Copilot achieves a semblance of true Windows-native behavior. Unfortunately, it feels more like lip service, given its reliance on web technologies handled by Edge.
Why “Native” Still Matters—and How Microsoft Defines It
Let’s dive into the real crux of this update: the definition of 'native'. To most developers and users, “native” means a program that is locally compiled for the host operating system, leveraging the full capabilities of the OS’s SDKs. Such programs:- Tend to start up faster (no loading web assets every session),
- Consume fewer system resources,
- Work seamlessly with hardware, and
- Offer deep offline functionality.
Broader Implications for Windows 11 Users
For a large swath of users, this update comes down to priorities:- Power Users & Developers: If RAM is your lifeblood, this update might drain you. WebView overhead could complicate workflows that rely on memory headroom.
- Casual Users: If you’re fond of shiny integrations and don’t mind a few glitches, Copilot might be an exciting toy to explore.
- Privacy Advocates: Keep in mind that heavy reliance on Microsoft servers means your queries and interactions live online. If you’re leery of Big Data collecting chatbot histories… proceed cautiously.
Is It Time to Give Copilot Another Try?
Would Microsoft’s latest Copilot app make Windows 11 users want to uninstall third-party AI apps or uninstall Edge-loving features? Probably not—at least not yet. This update does narrow the distance between Copilot and the AI virtual assistants we wish for, but there are still glaring pain points, from resource consumption to questionable “nativeness.”For now, Copilot's native update feels more like a stepping stone than a definitive fix. As we look ahead, maybe—just maybe—the next iteration will fulfill Microsoft’s lofty promises!
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11’s new native Copilot rolls out to everyone, but it consumes more RAM
