WW 960: Snow & Claus - Windows 11 & Agentic AI - podcast episode cover

WW 960: Snow & Claus - Windows 11 & Agentic AI

Windows Weekly (Audio)
Nov 27, 2025•2 hr 26 min•Ep. 960
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Episode description

Pavan Davuluri only spoke at one Ignite 2025 session, and it did not deserve the hate he got. But what did he really say?

  • Copilot is a front-end for apps and cloud AI services, agents are background processes.
  • Apps in Windows need to become programmatic so AI and agents can control them.
  • You are in control. You being IT and the user. These experiences are off by default, opt-in, and optional. This is the end of whatever BS argument anyone has about this stuff.
  • Copilot Voice because AI is better when you babble and is often more natural than typing
    • Key concept: Apps, CLIs, etc. expect exact commands, AI is all about intent, just do what I want, not exactly what I say. This is why, yes, people WILL want to talk to their PCs (and other devices)
  • UIs for these new features will look/feel natural in Windows
    • Search box in Taskbar is getting updated to orchestrate between local/web search and Copilot capabilities, including agents
    • Agents will appear as app icons in Taskbar when fired, can be check in on, can post notifications for you to attend to
    • Integration of M365 Copilot capabilities with Windows - Better together story, with things like Writing Assistance for every text box
    • Accessibility updates thanks to AI - Fluid Dictation, which is what makes Copilot Voice make so much sense
  • All the security, privacy, and IT management the audience expects

Windows Insider Program

  • Dev and Beta builds include Full Screen Experience on all PCs, new Notepad app, more

Hardware - Earnings

  • Lenovo PC business up 12 percent to $15.1 billion, 25.6 percent unit share
  • HP up 4 percent to $14.6 billion, but job cuts for AI are coming
  • Dell PC business up 3 percent to $1.41 billion

AI and Stuff

  • Microsoft releases local Fara-7B agentic model for computer use
  • ChatGPT's new coding model is optimized for Windows
  • Dear God, you must see Nano Banana Pro to understand Google's lead
  • Google is bringing AirDrop to Android, starting with Pixel. This is what happens when regulators "force design changes on OS makers."

Xbox and Gaming

  • Xbox Cloud Gaming usage is up 45 percent YOY. Sure. What's 45 percent of 3 people?
  • Xbox Cloud Gaming is adding per-game resolution settings, to 1440p for Game Pass Ultimate customers
  • ROG Xbox Ally is getting default game profiles, in preview for 40 titles now
  • Microsoft open sources the source code for Zork, Zork II, and Zork III
  • New Chromebook buyers get one year of Nvidia GeForce NOW with Fast Pass

Tips and Picks

  • Tip of the week: Finding experts is more important than ever
  • We live in the age of stupid. Find the smart and never let go
  • Also, Xbox is having a good Black Friday sale
  • App pick of the week: Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge
  • Also: Perplexity Comet on Android

RunAs Radio this week: Christmas Gifts for SysAdmins with Joey Snow and Rick Claus

Brown liquor pick of the week: Sidetrack Stone Whisky

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly/episodes/960

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

Sponsors:

Transcript

How Agentic AI Could Change How You Use Windows Primary Navigation Podcasts Club Blog Subscribe Sponsors More… Tech How Agentic AI Could Change How You Use Windows

Dec 2nd 2025

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

Microsoft is bringing agentic AI capabilities to Windows 11, signaling a pivotal shift in how users interact with their PCs. These new features are designed to automate common tasks, improve productivity, and put users firmly in control by making them opt-in rather than forced upgrades. According to Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell on this week’s episode of Windows Weekly, Microsoft is focusing on gradual, user-centered deployment—ensuring that these tools are both powerful and optional.

What Is Agentic AI in Windows?

Agentic AI refers to software agents powered by artificial intelligence that can perform tasks, anticipate user needs, and handle workflows autonomously. In practical terms, an agent might compose emails, summarize documents, or automate file searches—working alongside you to handle routine operations.

On Windows Weekly, Paul Thurrott emphasized that these features aren't just background upgrades; they're meant to streamline complex tasks and make PC use more natural. Agentic AI in Windows will coordinate with apps, cloud services, and local processing to create seamless, intent-based interaction—whether through chat, voice commands, or more automated workflows.

Why Microsoft Is Making AI Features "Opt-In"

One of the most notable aspects discussed on Windows Weekly is Microsoft's commitment to user choice and privacy. Paul Thurrott highlighted commentary from Navjot Virk, Corporate Vice President for Windows Experiences, who stated that all new agentic experiences in Windows 11 are optional and controlled by users. This means you decide if and when AI agents are enabled, and in IT-managed settings, admins can also configure access.

This approach marks a departure from past years, when Microsoft pushed icons and features into Windows without clear opt-out options. As Richard Campbell explained, skepticism from IT professionals and change-averse users is understandable, but the current model is more mature—with clear governance and gradual adoption.

How Agentic AI Could Change Your Workflow

According to Windows Weekly, agentic AI is being deeply integrated across core system features. Examples include:

AI-powered writing assistance (available system-wide, not just in individual apps like Word or Notepad)Fluid dictation, letting users speak naturally and have AI understand context, punctuation, and grammar—even correcting filler words automaticallyEnhanced search orchestration, where the Windows search box selects the most suitable method (file search, web, Copilot, or launching agents) based on your queryTaskbar notifications for AI agents, allowing users to monitor agent activity or respond to requests directly

These changes mean that instead of memorizing complex menus or navigation, you’ll simply express what you want to do—by voice or text—and let AI handle the details. As Richard Campbell noted, this could free up users to focus on meaningful work instead of tool mastery.

What You Need to KnowAgentic AI in Windows 11 is opt-in, giving users full control over activation.Privacy and security are central, with granular options for both individuals and organizations.Agentic AI tools aim to automate routine tasks, improve accessibility, and offer intelligent productivity features.AI agents may soon interact with local and cloud models for faster, offline functionality.Opt-in settings allow IT departments to stage rollout, minimizing disruption and maximizing safety.Microsoft is focusing on incremental, careful deployment, learning from feedback, and avoiding disruptive UI changes.Look for ongoing improvements and expanded agentic integrations as feedback from early adoption builds.The Bottom Line

Microsoft’s shift toward agentic AI in Windows 11 is designed to enhance productivity without sacrificing user autonomy. By making these features opt-in and user-controlled, Microsoft is empowering both everyday users and IT teams to leverage advanced AI capabilities at their own pace. As explained on Windows Weekly, this balanced approach blends innovation with respect for user needs and privacy.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve—or just make your daily PC tasks easier—keep an eye out for these new agentic features as they roll out. Whether you choose to experiment now or wait until the tools mature, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on how AI works for you.

Subscribe to Windows Weekly for more expert analysis:
https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly/episodes/960

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Nov 26 2025 - Snow & Claus
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