Microsoft recently reiterated that 2026 will be the “golden era of AI PCs,” continuing to promote the advantages of Windows 11’s deep integration with artificial intelligence. From the controversial Windows Recall to AI features in MS Paint and the Photos app, and the full rollout of Copilot, Microsoft is attempting to paint a picture of a brand-new Windows ecosystem driven by AI. In its latest round of marketing materials, Microsoft has gone so far as to define Copilot as the “#1 productivity app on Windows 11,” even surpassing traditional core tools like File Explorer.
Microsoft says Copilot is the best productivity app in Windows 11, ranking above File Explorer and Snipping Tool
Last week, foreign media Windows Latest DiscoveryMicrosoft launches new promotional materialsIt lists eight “best efficiency tools” for Windows 11, with Copilot at the top and described as the user’s “AI copilot.” Microsoft believes that whether for students or professionals, Copilot can help users think, plan, and complete tasks on their desktop. The marketing copy even states directly: “Copilot is available on Windows to help you handle tasks more efficiently.” To support this claim, Microsoft列举了多项使用情境，例如总結冗長電子郵件、將筆記轉換成待辦清單、協助撰寫郵件草稿等。微软强调，当收件匣被长篇大论塞满时，Copilot 能快速提取重点，让使用者不必逐段阅读。
Additionally, Microsoft claims that Copilot can help plan itineraries, whether for business trips or family vacations. The marketing content gives an example: “When you want to discuss a spring break ski trip with your family, just say ‘Hey, Copilot’ on Windows 11, and the AI assistant will listen to your ideas and help create a plan.” In this promotion, Microsoft lists Windows 11’s “best productivity apps” as follows:
- Microsoft Copilot
- Microsoft To Do
- Windows Calendar
- OneNote
- Screenshot tool (with screen recording)
- Clock app (Focus mode)
- Microsoft Sticky Notes
- File Explorer
- Microsoft Edge (Productivity Features)
However, if you’re an everyday Windows user, you’d probably frown when seeing this ranking. The overall impression of the entire list feels quite detached from reality, even somewhat absurd, especially given that the purpose of this marketing campaign is to convince consumers to buy Windows 11 computers. Honestly, if this list itself was generated by Copilot, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.
Microsoft not only placed Copilot at number one, but even listed “Clock” at number six, despite the app’s Spotify integration having been broken for several months. Of course, “best productivity tools” is inherently subjective, and it’s understandable that Copilot does have value for some people, but placing it above File Explorer, Snipping Tool, and even the feature-rich Microsoft To Do is still hard to justify.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has promoted Copilot in an exaggerated way. In recent marketing campaigns, Microsoft has repeatedly made eye-catching claims. For example, not long ago, Microsoft said Copilot+ PCs could “maximize productivity”—the reason? They’re faster than five-year-old Windows 10 devices. Microsoft even claimed that due to AI integration, Windows Notepad has been “upgraded,” with more features coming in the future, including image processing. Overall, Microsoft is trying to redefine the value of Windows with AI, but the gap between marketing content and actual user experience makes these claims seem overblown. Copilot may have potential, but calling it the “most powerful productivity tool” on Windows 11 will likely require more time and more substantial features to prove.
Source: KOCPC Chinese