Microsoft Reportedly Integrating Copilot Chat into File Explorer Even If You Didn’t Ask

It’s not hidden anymore that Microsoft has big plans with Copilot, which is why we’ve seen the company integrating its AI assistant into most of its apps and services throughout the last year. Well, it’s 2026, the new year, but it seems Microsoft isn’t done pushing Copilot inside File Explorer. Just to be clear the file manager app already integrates Copilot to some extent.

In the latest Windows 11 preview build, an invisible button has been spotted in File Explorer by popular Windows tipster @phantomofearth and @a_donglee ( via Windows Latest). As of now, it’s not functional. It only appears when you hover over a blank space in the navigation bar.

The tipster noticed code strings in the build mentioning “Chat with Copilot” and an option to detach Copilot from the File Explorer window. As Windows Central points out, the button might open a sidebar or pop-up to chat with Copilot directly about documents, photos, or other files you’ve selected.

As I mentioned earlier, File Explorer has a basic Copilot integration through the right-click menu. When you select a file and choose Ask Copilot, it opens a dedicated Copilot app in a new window. The spotted button might offer a better experience than what’s already there. However, I believe that Microsoft is looking to replace Ask Copilot option with the new “Chat with Copilot.”

Whst’s you take on the news? Are you willing to see yet another Copilot feature inside File Manager or do you think Microsoft should focus elsewhere? Let us know in the comments below.

Article in-content image source: Windows Latest