Windows Copilot Can Now Read Your PC Settings: Should You Use It?

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature in Copilot, its AI assistant for Windows computers. The feature is called PC Insights, and it allows Copilot to examine your computer's settings, system information, and configuration.

This means you can ask Copilot questions about your Windows setup, and it will look at your actual computer to provide answers. This affects anyone using Windows computers who has Copilot installed and enabled. If you or your family members use Copilot to ask questions, the assistant can now see details about your computer setup, installed programs, and system settings. This information stays on your computer but is analyzed by Copilot's AI to answer your questions. Before using this feature, consider what information you are comfortable sharing. Here are your options:

1. If you trust Microsoft and find this feature helpful, you can use it to get answers about your computer settings.
2. If you have privacy concerns, you can simply avoid asking Copilot questions about your PC, or disable Copilot entirely through Windows settings.
3. Review what permissions Copilot has by going to Settings, then Privacy & Security, and reviewing app permissions.
4. Discuss with family members who share the computer whether everyone is comfortable with this feature. As AI assistants become more integrated into our devices, think carefully about the tradeoff between convenience and privacy. Always ask yourself whether the benefit of a feature is worth the information it accesses. You can enjoy the advantages of technology while still maintaining boundaries about what tools can see and access on your family's devices.