Microsoft Adds ChatGPT AI To Windows 11’s Command Line, But There’s A Catch
As part of the Windows 11 Canary test build, Microsoft has added OpenAI’s widely popular AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT to Windows Terminal.
ChatGPT’s AI capabilities in the Windows Terminal can come in handy for explaining errors, generating commands, and providing recommendations. The integration of ChatGPT in Terminal enables users to generate commands, get recommendations, and explain errors with the help of artificial intelligence.
The Redmond-based tech giant wants Terminal to perform multiple tasks like explaining commands, such as DISM, or errors that appear while running commands using the natural language AI. Likewise, it will be capable of recommending solutions, such as an alternative command if the original command is inoperative.
On the downside, this feature does not come with its large-language model (LLM) at the moment. This is a major sign that Microsoft wants its users to get Azure OpenAI service to use Terminal AI Chat. However, Azure OpenAI service is not available to everyone.
So, it is safe to say that the AI integration in Windows Terminal will be limited to those who can access Azure-based OpenAI’s invite-only API service. While this is likely to change in the future, you will need to purchase the API keys for now.
Before using Terminal Chat, you will need to download the app from GitHub and install it on a machine running Windows 11 operating system. The next step involves entering your Azure AI service endpoint and key in the Terminal Chat settings. Now, store and save these details.
Once completed, this step connects Terminal Chat with the designated AI service, which could be ChatGPT-3.5 or your preferred model. Also, this step unlocks the full potential of the AI service within the command line environment.
The most notable features of Terminal Chat are its responsiveness and adaptability. When you select an AI-generated suggestion, it gets to the input line of the terminal. As a result, you have the option to check commands before executing them.
Aside from this, Terminal Chat is capable of identifying the active shell being used and sending this context to the AI service. Thanks to this tailored approach, the AI responses are adjusted to fit the shell environment to ensure relevant and accurate assistance.
Microsoft recently rebranded its Bing Chat and Bing Chat for Enterprise to Copilot in a bid to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot. Meanwhile, the Sam Altman-led AI company is seeking additional financial support from Microsoft to support its development efforts.
With the addition of ChatGPT to Windows Terminal, Microsoft takes a step forward in incorporating AI capabilities into its operating system. Users can now leverage the power of ChatGPT to generate commands, get recommendations, and explain errors, all within the command line environment.
However, there is a catch. The AI integration in Windows Terminal currently relies on Azure-based OpenAI’s invite-only API service. Users who wish to access the full potential of Terminal Chat will need to purchase the API keys. While this limitation may change in the future, it means that the AI functionality is not accessible to all Windows 11 users at this time.
To utilize Terminal Chat, users must download and install the app from GitHub, ensuring they have a machine running Windows 11. They will then enter their Azure AI service endpoint and key in the Terminal Chat settings. This connection unlocks the AI service’s capabilities within the command line environment, providing responsive and adaptable assistance.
Microsoft’s decision to integrate ChatGPT into Windows Terminal showcases its commitment to harnessing the power of AI to enhance user experiences. By enabling users to generate commands, receive recommendations, and understand errors with the help of artificial intelligence, Microsoft aims to streamline and simplify the command line interface.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI and the integration of ChatGPT in Windows Terminal underscore the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology. While limitations currently exist, it is likely that accessibility to Terminal Chat’s AI functionality will expand in the future, allowing more users to benefit from the power of AI in their command line interactions.
