Microsoft announced a new feature for Windows 11 that will allow AI agents to be integrated into the operating system's taskbar. This will allow users to instantly access and control their behavior.
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Microsoft explained: As Windows evolves into an AI platform, agents are becoming deeply integrated into the operating system, extending the same interaction principles that apps use today to new surfaces and scenarios. With agents in the taskbar, apps will become as easy to use and familiar as Windows apps.
The company says that in the future, an icon of the active AI agent will appear on the taskbar. Users can simply hover over it to see information about its operation, including progress and context.
Microsoft explained: You can invoke, monitor, and manage Copilot and its AI agents directly from the Windows taskbar. This unified interface makes agents more visible, accessible, and interactive across the entire Windows system.
At the same time, Microsoft warns that the experimental capabilities of autonomous agents carry certain security risks. Specifically, it cites the threat of XPIA injections, where an attacker could trick the AI into downloading malware.
How it will work
- Progress indicator. When the AI agent is performing a task, a corresponding icon will appear on the taskbar. Hovering over it will display a pop-up window with information about the task's progress and current status. This allows for easy monitoring of the AI's actions.
- Microsoft promises the most natural way to interact with Copilot (voice or text) via a dedicated taskbar button. Enterprise users will also be able to integrate with work data through Microsoft 365 AI Agents.
- Call via search. The updated "Ask Copilot" search bar will now support the "@" symbol. By entering it, users can quickly switch between different agents or summon them to perform specific tasks.
The new feature will be powered by Agentic Workspace, a secure desktop environment where AI can interact with your files and applications. You can assign a task to an agent and monitor its progress in real time, or continue with your own work.
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