Microsoft is testing a new Windows 11 feature that lets Copilot answer questions about your computer's hardware, storage, and other system information, using data from the device itself rather than relying solely on general knowledge.
The feature, called PC Insights, is rolling out gradually as an opt-in experience in the Copilot app for Windows.
According to Microsoft documentation, users can ask questions in everyday language and receive explanations based on the current state of their PC rather than searching through Windows Settings or Task Manager.
At launch, PC Insights can report details such as graphics hardware, available storage, processor information, battery health, antivirus status, and connected hardware such as printers and USB accessories. Users can also ask practical questions, including whether they have enough free space to install a large game or whether a printer is online.
Permission comes first
Microsoft said Copilot will request permission before accessing system information needed to answer a question. Users can choose to allow access once or grant ongoing permission for future requests.
The company added that the feature is designed to explain system information rather than change it. For now, PC Insights cannot adjust Windows settings or fix problems automatically. Microsoft said it plans to improve the experience over time.
The experimental feature is currently being released gradually, with reports indicating availability is limited during the initial testing phase.
A simpler way to understand Windows
The goal of PC Insights is to make technical information easier to understand, especially for people unfamiliar with Windows' built-in diagnostic tools.
Instead of opening multiple menus, users can ask questions such as how much RAM is installed, how much storage remains, or whether antivirus protection is active. Copilot retrieves the relevant information through Windows APIs and presents it in plain language.
Microsoft says the experience lets users "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."
The rollout also raises questions about reliability and trust.
Microsoft notes that Copilot "may not always provide complete or accurate information," particularly while the feature is still in testing. As a result, users may still need to verify important system information through traditional Windows utilities.
The irony isn't lost on critics
One criticism emerging from early reports is that the Copilot app itself consumes a noticeable amount of memory while idle, creating an awkward situation for a tool intended to help users diagnose performance issues.
Windows Latest found that the app uses close to 1GB of RAM in some scenarios. While that may have little impact on high-end PCs, it could be more noticeable on systems with limited memory. For now, Microsoft positions PC Insights as an information tool rather than a repair utility, leaving users to apply any recommended fixes themselves.
Looking ahead
PC Insights signals Microsoft's broader push to make Windows more conversational, replacing technical menus with natural-language interactions. If the company eventually allows Copilot to take corrective actions, the feature could become a more capable troubleshooting assistant.
That shift, however, will depend on Microsoft proving the assistant is accurate, lightweight, and trustworthy enough to earn deeper access to users' PCs. For many consumers, explaining complex system information in plain English could be genuinely useful, but only if the AI delivers reliable answers without becoming part of the performance problem itself.
Also read: Our AI chatbot cheat sheet explains how chatbots work, where they are useful, and what limits users should keep in mind.