Google Gemini Comes to Windows: A Better AI Assistant Than Copilot?

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

Google Gemini vs. Microsoft Copilot on Windows: Which AI Assistant Should You Use?

Google is bringing its powerful Gemini AI directly to Windows, providing a new alternative to Microsoft’s Copilot. On Hands-On Windows, Paul Thurrott dives into what Gemini offers Windows users, how it compares to Copilot, and what to watch for as both companies evolve their AI strategies.

What’s New: Google Gemini’s Push into Windows

For the first time, Google is bringing Gemini—its advanced AI assistant—to Windows through a dedicated app available via Google Labs. This move is significant because, until now, Microsoft Copilot was the primary AI experience built into Windows. Now, Windows users have another strong choice.

The Gemini app acts as an over-the-desktop search and assistant tool, very similar to Spotlight Search on Mac and PowerToys Run on Windows. You can pull it up with a keyboard shortcut (default: Alt+Space), perform web searches, search personal files, scan your Google Drive, and even use Google Lens-like visual search to analyze your desktop.

Gemini’s integration goes beyond the desktop app. In the latest versions of Google Chrome, a Gemini button now enables AI-powered tasks—like summarizing web pages—without requiring a paid subscription.

Key Differences: Gemini vs. Copilot

Integration:

• Microsoft Copilot is baked deeply into Windows 11, Microsoft 365 apps, and Edge, accessible system-wide via keyboard shortcuts and sidebars.
• Google Gemini starts as a desktop overlay and Chrome extension, integrating mostly through browser and cloud features.

Feature Set:

• Gemini allows local file search, cloud search (Google Drive), web search, and desktop vision through Google Lens. It’s optimized for users already on Google’s ecosystem.
• Copilot provides system-level AI assistance, extending to Microsoft apps, and can connect with Windows features more natively.

Availability and Access:

• Gemini desktop app is in Google Labs (https://labs.google.com/search) with potential regional and temporary limitations (currently US and Canada, in English, consumer accounts only).
• Gemini in Chrome is broadly available and no longer requires a paid subscription; usage limits for free accounts are generous (details in Google’s help docs).
• Copilot is standard on Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, but its extent of AI features depends on your Microsoft account type and subscription.

Unique Features:

• Gemini’s chat window can be moved around the screen—something Copilot’s sidebar cannot do yet.
• Gemini’s browser AI can work even if Chrome is closed, provided it’s running in the background.
• Upcoming “agentic” features in Gemini are expected to automate tasks (e.g., booking appointments using data from your Google account).

How to Apply This: Setting Up and Using Gemini on Windows

To try Gemini Desktop App:

1. Visit labs.google.com/search (check for current availability).
2. Install the app, customize its keyboard shortcut if needed.
3. Use it for quick Google searches, searching files, Google Drive, or scanning items on your desktop with the Lens icon.

To use Gemini in Chrome:

1. Update Chrome to the latest version.
2. Look for the Gemini (sparkle/star) icon in the browser.
3. Use it to summarize pages, ask questions, or get AI help—directly from any web page or from the browser overlay.

Note: Features may be region-limited during rollout; Google is adding support for business (“Workspace”) accounts and expanding AI features in the upcoming months.

Key Takeaways

• Google Gemini is now the first major third-party AI assistant on Windows, rivaling Microsoft Copilot.
• The Gemini desktop app and Chrome integration both offer flexible, fast AI functionality, especially for Google account users.
• Gemini brings unique features (dynamic window, desktop lens) not yet found in Copilot.
• Microsoft Copilot remains more tightly integrated into Windows’ operating system and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Both companies are racing to add more complex AI and automation (“agentic” abilities) into their desktop experiences.

What This Means for You

If you’re already deep into Google’s ecosystem, Gemini offers a seamless way to search files, emails, and cloud data from your Windows PC. If you rely on Microsoft 365 and want AI in native Windows apps, Copilot currently goes deeper into the OS.

For most users, trying both assistants side by side—especially with Gemini now easier to access in Chrome—makes sense to find which workflow fits best.

The Bottom Line

Google Gemini’s arrival on Windows gives users real AI assistant choices for the first time—no longer limited to Copilot. Expect fast progress in both assistants as Google and Microsoft compete. If you’re in the US or Canada, check Google Labs to try Gemini’s desktop search, and make sure Chrome is up-to-date to use the free Gemini sidebar today.

—

For more hands-on Windows tips and the latest AI features, subscribe to the show: https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows/episodes/161