Microsoft’s new Gaming Copilot feature on Windows 11 is actively taking screenshots of gameplay, raising privacy concerns despite assurances it’s not intended for AI training data. Initial reports surfaced from users noticing unexpected network traffic after a recent update, prompting examination into the feature’s data handling practices.
While Microsoft states the Gaming Copilot, accessible through the Xbox Game Bar, requires explicit opt-in from players, some users report activation following updates without their consent. This discrepancy, coupled with the ability to run the Copilot on systems lacking a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) – hardware previously considered essential for on-device AI processing - suggests gameplay data may be analyzed remotely on Microsoft’s servers, or relies solely on CPU and GPU processing. The situation is especially sensitive given European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines, and Microsoft plans to broadly deploy the Copilot to all Windows 11 systems via the Game Bar.
