Windows 11 Build 26200.8313, released to the Release Preview Channel on April 17, introduces taskbar AI agents as an opt-in feature: users can pin and invoke autonomous agents — including third-party apps — directly from the taskbar, monitor progress by hovering, and trigger them via an "@" prefix in the optional Copilot search bar. The integration uses Model Context Protocol, and Microsoft 365 Researcher is the first supported agent. Microsoft emphasized agents will not be installed or surfaced by default and that it is reducing Copilot entry points in tools like Snipping Tool, Photos, and Notepad.