Windows Copilot Can Now Read Your PC Settings: What Parents Should Know
Microsoft's Copilot assistant can now analyze your Windows computer settings. This raises privacy questions about what information is being shared.
Source
ZDNet Security
Original headline: Windows questions? How Copilot can analyze your PC settings now
Plain-English summary by GetCyberRight. Read the full report at the source above.
Microsoft has added a new feature to Copilot, its AI assistant built into Windows computers. The feature, called PC Insights, allows Copilot to scan and answer questions about your computer's system settings, configurations, and hardware details. Instead of clicking through menus yourself, you can ask Copilot questions about your PC and it will tell you the answers. This affects anyone using a recent Windows computer with Copilot installed. If your PC has the Copilot app (usually indicated by an icon in your taskbar), this feature is rolling out now. The assistant can see details about your computer setup, which settings are enabled or disabled, and technical information about your system. Before using this feature, understand what you are sharing. When Copilot analyzes your PC, that information may be sent to Microsoft's servers.
Here is what to do:
- Review your Copilot privacy settings by opening the app and looking for privacy or data options.
- Decide if you are comfortable with an AI assistant scanning your system information.
- If not, you can disable Copilot entirely through Windows Settings under Privacy and Security. Long term, remember that AI assistants built into your devices have access to your information. Before using any AI feature, ask: What data is this collecting? Where is it being sent? Do I really need this convenience, or can I find settings myself? Teaching your family to think critically about which features to enable helps protect privacy over time.
Curated from trusted cybersecurity sources by GetCyberRight
Source: ZDNet SecurityStay ahead of cyber threats
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