Microsoft’s Windows 11 Copilot app is testing a feature named ‘PC insights’ that enables users to inquire about their PC’s hardware and receive responses based on system data. The feature is experimental and currently available only in the U.S. It requires user permission to access device details.
With ‘PC insights’, users can ask questions about RAM, storage, GPU, processor usage, antivirus status, and battery health. The app retrieves this information by connecting to Windows APIs and requests permission to analyze system data, which can be granted for a single session or on a permanent basis.
Microsoft stated that Copilot “may not always provide complete or accurate information,” particularly during this testing phase. Reactions from users have been mixed, with some expressing concerns about its performance and the app’s significant RAM usage, which is nearly 1GB during operation.
Some users compared the feature unfavorably to Task Manager, criticizing it as “bloated” and potentially unreliable. However, the feature is designed for non-technical users who may struggle to navigate Task Manager’s interface effectively.
Criticism around the resource consumption of the Copilot app has emerged, as it operates as a standalone application derived from the Edge browser. Privacy concerns have also been raised, though Microsoft emphasizes that granting access does not allow Copilot to read file contents, only their sizes.
Currently, ‘PC insights’ is a tool for information gathering rather than problem-solving. Future developments could allow Copilot to implement guidance or simple fixes for identified issues, integrating more extensive troubleshooting functions within the Windows environment.
