PC insights is a new opt-in experimental feature in the Copilot on Windows app that enables customers to conversationally ask Copilot questions about their Windows PC and receive clear responses based on their device's state without having to dig through system settings.
Instead of searching through Settings, Task Manager, or folders, you can simply ask Copilot questions like:
- “What graphics card do I have?”
- “Do I have enough space for a 100GB game?”
- “What’s my current CPU usage?”
With your permission, Copilot gathers the relevant information and explains it in plain language so you can take action faster.
Note
PC insights is being gradually rolled out to Copilot app users on Windows and may not be available on every device. As an experimental experience, PC insights is still evolving and may not always provide complete or accurate information.
We are continuing to improve the experience over time, so what you see may change as new capabilities are added.
How PC insights works
When you ask a question about your PC or files:
- Copilot identifies what information is needed to answer your question.
- Copilot asks for your permission before accessing any system or file data.
- Once approved, Copilot retrieves only the necessary data.
- Copilot returns a clear, easy-to-understand answer.
You stay in control at every step.
Examples of what you can ask Copilot about PC insights
Here are some common ways you can use PC insights:
Device and system
- “What are my computers full specs?”
- “Is my antivirus running?”
- “How is my battery health?”
- “What’s my BIOS version?”
Performance and activity
- “What USB devices are plugged into my computer?”
- “What’s my current CPU usage?”
- “Is my external hard drive recognized?”
- “What network adapters does my PC have?”
Storage and files
- “How big is my Downloads folder?”
- “Do I have enough storage for a large game or app?”
Connected devices
- “Is my printer online?”
- “Is my webcam detected?”
Permissions and privacy
Your privacy and control are built into the experience.
Copilot only accesses information after you give permission. When you ask a question, Copilot prompts you before accessing relevant information from your PC.
You can choose:
- Allow for this session for a single request*
- Always allow for similar requests
- Not now to decline
Copilot will:
- Only retrieve the specific data needed to answer your question.
- Not store or use your personal files to train models.
- Allow you to revoke permissions at any time from Copilot privacy settings.
Copilot always lets you know when it's accessing information from your device or files.
*= One session lasts until the PC restarts or the app is stopped.
What PC insights can and can't do
What PC insights can do
- Answer questions about your device, system, and files.
- Turn technical information into simple explanations.
- Help you understand what’s happening on your PC.
What PC insights can't do
- Fix issues or make system changes.
- Run troubleshooting steps automatically.
- Monitor your device in the background.
- Access files or data without your permission.
If you need help fixing a problem, Copilot may guide you, but it won't make changes on your behalf.
How to manage permissions for PC insights
You control how Copilot accesses your information at any time in Copilot settings.
In Copilot settings, you can:
- Change Always allow to instead ask every time.
- Revoke access completely if you prefer.
This ensures you stay in control of what Copilot can see and do.
Note
These updates are beginning to gradually roll out. Availability may vary as we gradually expand the feature rollout.
Frequently asked questions about PC insights
Does Copilot access all my files?
No. Copilot only accesses the specific information needed to answer the question you asked and only after you give permission.
Is my data stored or used for training?
No. Your personal files and system info aren't stored or used to train models. Copilot may use conversation activity, like prompts and responses, to improve the experience, including training AI models, depending on your settings. You can control this at any time in Copilot settings.
Why does Copilot need permission?
Copilot needs permission to safely access the information required to answer your question. You are always in control of when and how this happens.
Can Copilot change my settings or fix issues?
No. Copilot only provides information. It doesn't make changes or perform fixes.
Will Copilot monitor my computer in the background?
No. Copilot only accesses information when you ask a question and approve the request.
Can PC insights access my work emails, Teams chats, calendar, or other organizational data?
No. PC insights doesn't access your work emails, Teams chats, calendar, documents stored in your organization’s Microsoft 365 environment, or other organizational data. PC insights is designed to answer questions about your Windows device and only accesses relevant PC information after obtaining your permission.