Microsoft continues to integrate artificial intelligence into the Windows operating system, going beyond simple text chat. The company is testing a new feature called PC Insights for its AI assistant, Copilot. This technology aims to radically simplify user interaction with computer technical parameters, allowing users to ask questions about system status in natural language.
Instead of diving into complex "Task Manager" menus or Windows settings, users will be able to simply ask the assistant what is happening with their device. Copilot will analyze system specifications and provide recommendations, acting as a navigator for technical issues.
What exactly can PC Insights do?
According to data published by Windows Latest, the functionality of the new tool goes far beyond simple monitoring. The feature will allow users to ask specific scenario-based questions. For example, a user might ask if there is enough free disk space to install a 100 GB game. In response, Copilot will check the available space on the drives and provide an accurate answer.
System diagnostic capabilities include:
- Analysis of CPU usage and RAM load.
- Monitoring of GPU load.
- Calculation of free disk space and checking the size of specific folders.
- Information on battery status.
- A list of connected peripheral devices: USB drives, external disks, printers, and webcams.
- Status of wireless connections, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Security and access restrictions
Implementing a feature that requires deep system analysis inevitably raises privacy concerns. Microsoft has provided a data protection mechanism: PC Insights will only work with the user's explicit permission. For every request related to hardware, Copilot will have to request access to the computer's data unless the user enables permanent permission mode in advance.
It is important to note the current limitations of the functionality. At this stage, the assistant is only capable of identifying potential problems and providing information about them. It does not have the authority to open individual user files and cannot independently fix detected faults. Its role is limited to diagnostics and information.
The performance paradox
Implementing a tool designed to help with performance carries a certain risk. Copilot itself is already known for its significant resource consumption. In tests conducted by Windows Latest, it was found that the application in its current form can occupy up to 1 GB of RAM even in idle mode.
Furthermore, the assistant requires additional disk space as it comes with its own built-in copy of the Microsoft Edge browser. This creates a potential problem: the PC Insights feature may turn out to be a useful diagnostic tool, but its effectiveness will depend directly on how resource-intensive the assistant itself remains. If the optimization tool begins to load the system, it questions its practical value for owners of computers with limited resources.
