Expert Opinion: A smarter way to manage Windows 11 settings

Dave Taylor, MD of Stockport-based IT provider, Amshire, explains how businesses can use a new AI Agent built into Windows 11 to navigate menus and settings.

Have you ever found yourself clicking through endless menus in the Windows 11 Settings app just to make one small change?

It can be surprisingly time-consuming. You know the option is there somewhere, but remembering exactly where to find it is another matter.

Microsoft wants to make that process much simpler with a new feature currently being tested: an AI Agent built directly into the Windows 11 Settings app.

Windows 11 Settings are Getting Smarter with a Built-In AI Agent

This is not a separate chatbot like Copilot. Instead, it is built right into the search box inside Settings. You can type what you want in plain language, such as “make the screen brighter” or “turn on voice control,” and the AI will locate the correct setting or even adjust it for you.

It is designed to understand natural language rather than rely on precise keywords, which means no more scrolling through lists of unrelated options or trying to remember exact terms.

Fast, Local, and Private

One of the most impressive parts of this feature is how it works. The AI runs locally on your device using a small, efficient language model built directly into Windows. That means your requests never leave your computer, and there is no dependency on the cloud.

The benefit is both speed and privacy. You get instant results without sharing any information beyond your device. Microsoft has also trained the AI to focus on the settings people use most often, so results are relevant and fast.

Why It Matters for Businesses

Small time-savers like this can have a big impact. How often do team members pause their work to search for a setting or ask IT for help with something simple? Over the course of a week, those moments add up.

With the new AI Agent, employees can resolve quick issues themselves in plain English, without having to navigate confusing menus or wait for support. That reduces downtime and helps people feel more confident using their devices.

When users can handle smaller adjustments on their own, IT teams are free to focus on larger projects and strategic improvements. The result is smoother workflows, fewer interruptions, and a more productive day for everyone.

How to Try It Out

This feature is currently being tested on Copilot+ PCs through the Windows Insider Program. It offers a glimpse into how Microsoft is shaping the future of Windows 11 to be smarter, faster, and easier to use.