Introducing Copilot For Windows

The secure, generative AI companion you can use at work

In May 2024 IM launched “Copilot for Windows” to all colleagues who have Windows 11 on their laptop or desktop machines. So, what is it and why are we blocking other generative AI tools?

What is Copilot for Windows?
Windows Copilot is an intelligent AI assistant, based on a secure version of the public OpenAI ChatGPT service. We will be blocking desktop access to public generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, very shortly, so please use this alternative.

In addition, alongside Windows Copilot, you will also be able to use Copilot in the Edge web browser. This extension brings the same functionality of Windows Copilot directly into the Edge web browser, making it even more convenient for you.

Why can we use this and not other AI tools?
Windows Copilot is a secure, desktop integrated AI assistant that won’t let you accidentally expose business data to the internet. Its built-in security measures ensure Anglo American’s intellectual property is not accidentally shared externally to the company.

Who is included in the launch?
Everyone with an Anglo American machine that runs Windows 11. It won’t be available quite yet if you are still using Windows 10, but IM is moving everyone to Windows 11 over the next few months, so you won’t have long to wait.

What does it do?
This video gives you a good idea but if you want to see what Copilot thinks click here.

How do I access it?
As soon as it’s launched, you will see an icon on your task bar that looks like this: Read on for further information.

Does that mean we will all have M365 Copilot – the subscription-based version that works with M365?
Not quite. M365 Copilot costs every user an additional US$30 per user per month so IM is taking a closer look at it to see if it’s safe and value for money. At the same time, IM’s Architecture team will be running a limited user pilot this quarter and we will let you know the results.

Anything else to bear in mind?
Cathy Bostock, Principal, Office of the CIO who is looking at the topic of AI for Anglo American said, “Windows Copilot is here to improve our desktop workplace experience – but it’s also important to be guided by a few rules; for example, check the accuracy of any content generated by AI, as well as any bias that the AI may have.”

She added, “We are finalising our Group AI Governance Procedure. In the meantime, please make sure you don’t use any AI solutions that have not been vetted and approved by IM, as these could lead to breaches of confidential data or poor value for money. If in doubt speak to IM’s new digital consultant team – Yusavia Naidoo in the UK, Christoffel Wade in the Africa and Australia region, and Hamilton Oliviera in the Americas.”

Getting started with Windows Copilot/Copilot in Edge

1. Copilot was automatically enabled on Anglo American Windows devices in May 2024.

2. You can then access Windows Copilot by clicking on the Copilot icon in the system tray or from within the Edge browser.

3. Please follow the prompts to sign in. This ensures that whenever you use Windows Copilot anything you type in is protected. The green ‘Protected’ label should now, and going forward, always be visible when using Windows Copilot.

4. Once activated, Windows Copilot will offer suggestions and help based on your current context and activities, which you can accept or reject as needed.