Microsoft clarifies Gaming Copilot privacy concerns: Screenshots only captured during active use

Microsoft

Microsoft has responded to user concerns regarding its Gaming Copilot feature, emphasising that the tool only captures gameplay screenshots when users are actively interacting with the AI. The company also stressed that these screenshots are not used to train AI models. The clarification follows a forum post on ResetEra in which a user claimed that their network traffic suggested the AI was sending private on-screen information to Microsoft servers. Gaming Copilot is currently available in public beta for Windows 11 via the Xbox Game Bar.

In a statement to Tom’s Hardware, a Microsoft representative explained: “When you're actively using Gaming Copilot in Game Bar, it can use screenshots of your gameplay to get a better understanding of what's happening in your game and provide you with more helpful responses.” The company highlighted that the feature is optional and only accesses gameplay during active sessions.

Microsoft also noted that text or voice interactions with Gaming Copilot may be used to improve AI systems, but screenshot data is not included in this training. Users can adjust privacy settings under the Game Bar’s “Privacy Settings” menu to control what information is shared.

The issue arose after a ResetEra user, RedbullCola, posted that Gaming Copilot seemed to automatically capture in-game actions and text, including NDA-protected content, and send it to Microsoft. The post claimed the feature was configured by default to train AI models using on-screen text.

At this stage, it is unclear whether screenshots are processed locally via the system’s neural processing unit (NPU) or transmitted externally. Microsoft has yet to provide further clarification. Xbox Support does not list minimum specifications for Gaming Copilot, but the feature is expected to roll out to players aged 18 and older via the PC Game Bar.

Gaming Copilot works on devices without Copilot+ certification, meaning built-in NPUs are not required. While users can disable AI training and avoid using the feature entirely, the tool is integrated into the Xbox Game Bar, making straightforward uninstallation difficult. Full removal requires using PowerShell with administrator privileges.