In recent days the internet has been abuzz over a controversy surrounding Gaming Copilot — the new AI assistant built into Windows 11’s Game Bar. Users allege the tool captures screenshots from every running game and sends them to Microsoft.
According to reports, the feature is enabled by default and can only be turned off by navigating through several layers of privacy settings.
Following a wave of criticism, the company issued an official response. Microsoft representatives acknowledged that Gaming Copilot can take screenshots, but said this occurs only during active use — when a user asks a question or requests help.
The company says those images help the AI better understand what’s happening in the game and deliver more relevant assistance. Microsoft also stated the screenshots are not used to train models. The capability is entirely optional and accesses gameplay only when the player initiates interaction with Copilot.
Microsoft clarified that text and voice queries may be used to improve language models, but users can disable this in their settings.
Gaming Copilot detects the active title, reviews Xbox account activity, and offers guidance on achievements, mechanics, and strategies. The global rollout of the feature began in September 2025 on Windows 11 PCs and in the Xbox mobile app. Despite Microsoft’s explanations, users remain worried that the assistant was enabled by default, raising privacy concerns. The company has promised to update the Game Bar settings to make Copilot’s access to gameplay clearer.
Source: iXBT.games