Windows 11 has received a built-in AI assistant for system configuration.

Microsoft is improving the Settings app in Windows 11 by integrating artificial intelligence that helps users find and change system settings faster.

The new AI assistant is built directly into the search bar and allows users to describe a problem or request in natural language. It understands user intent, suggests appropriate settings, or automatically applies the necessary changes. For example, if you type "how to control my computer with voice," the assistant will suggest enabling the Voice Access feature. Some actions can be undone using the Undo button, if available.

This is not a chatbot like Copilot, but an embedded assistant that runs in the background and activates when a query is entered in the search bar. Previously, Microsoft tested "Copilot suggestions," but abandoned this idea in favor of an embedded AI agent.

The assistant is based on the Mu model—a compact language model that operates entirely on the device without requiring an internet connection. It uses a neural processing unit and can process queries at a speed of over 100 tokens per second. Initially, Microsoft considered using the Phi model with fine-tuning via LoRA, but the response time was too slow. Mu was fine-tuned on a larger dataset, including real user queries and synthetic examples, and now covers hundreds of settings, providing fast and accurate responses. The model best recognizes intent when users enter verbose queries and prioritizes the most popular settings to avoid confusion.

As of publication, the AI assistant is only available on Copilot+ devices and within the Windows Insider program. The release timeline for other compatible devices is currently unknown.

Source: windowscentral.com