Microsoft's New AI Agent for Windows Settings App: Everything You Need to Know

If you have used a Windows PC before, you may know the struggle when you wanted to change something, maybe to enlarge the mouse pointer, turn on voice control, or tweak power settings, but you can't quite remember where that particular settings option is. For a long time, Windows users have been stuck clicking through menus and search bars, trying to find the right toggle.

Microsoft's AI Agent for Windows Settings App

Now, Microsoft has fixed that experience with something refreshingly simple: an AI agent for the Windows Settings app that allows you to simply tell your PC what you want to do. In its latest preview update for Windows 11, Microsoft is rolling out a new AI-powered agent inside the Windows Settings app.

The idea is straightforward: instead of manually searching through submenus, you describe your problem or request in plain English, let's say something like "make my mouse pointer easier to see" or "enable voice commands," and the system will guide you or even take care of the change for you.

The agent is starting to roll out to Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices coming soon. Initially, it supports only English input and works if English is set as your primary display language.

Here's what stands out:

• Plain-language commands: Users can type requests like "How do I turn on Bluetooth?" or "My screen is too dim," and the agent will understand the intent.

• Step-by-step recommendations: The AI suggests the exact steps needed to change a setting or fix an issue.

• Automatic actions (with permission): You can let the AI agent carry out changes for you with no extra clicks and no hidden menus.

• On-device intelligence: The AI runs directly on the PC, which means responses are fast and private.

• Currently in preview: Available first on select devices for Windows Insiders; broader support is on the way.

The addition of an AI agent to the Windows Settings app is an attempt to solve a real-world problem, making everyday tasks on your computer less frustrating, while users don't need to learn anything new. You just type what you want in your own words and get results. No jargon, no remembering where the "Accessibility" or "System" tabs are.

The new AI agent is built on the idea that you shouldn't need to be a tech expert to configure your computer. The AI agent understands your intent, what you want to do, and how to do it within the Windows environment.

This agentic addition to the Settings app appears to be part of a broader effort by Microsoft to make Windows 11 more user-friendly, following previous updates to the Settings app that introduced a new navigation layout and a more organized homepage.