- Clippy returns to Windows 11 thanks to independent developments and the integration of IA.
- Newer versions, such as Paperclip and Winpilot, offer advanced and customizable support.
- The community and open source ensure transparency and constant evolution of the assistant.
Years ago, a cute animated clip won the affection—and also the patience—of users of Microsoft Office. Clippy, the endearing (and sometimes insistent) virtual assistant, marked an era in home and professional computing with its ability to offer help, advice, and, occasionally, unexpected interruptions. Today, nostalgia mixes with innovation, because Clippy has resurfaced in Windows 11, but now equipped with Artificial Intelligence, promising a renewed experience adapted to current times.
Although it was removed from the Office suite because it was considered annoying, Clippy's return does not come from Microsoft, but from independent developers who have taken advantage of the rise of AI and the affection many have for this iconic character. In this article, you'll find a complete and detailed look at its return, how it has evolved thanks to Chat GPT, what new features it offers, and how you can get it back on your desktop, both on Windows 11 and other platforms.
Why is Clippy coming back and what makes him so special in 2024?
Clippy's story goes far beyond being simply a technological meme. Introduced in Office 97, the goal was to assist users while working in Become and other applications, detecting usage patterns and suggesting possible help. Although its friendly tone and lively design made it endearing, the widespread perception of intrusiveness led Microsoft to discontinue it in 2004.
In the age of artificial intelligence, the concept of the personal assistant has evolved radically. The arrival of ChatGPT and the popularization of language models have opened new doors for smarter, less invasive, and much more useful assistants. Precisely, Developers like Fire Cube Studios and collaborative projects have taken advantage of this wave to bring Clippy back to life., but with current capabilities and a personality much more suited to what today's users demand.
The "new" Clippy, in its different versions, is no longer official from Microsoft, but the result of the talent of the technological community. Still, it is available for Windows 11, macOS and Linux, and in some cases allows use without an internet connection, guaranteeing privacy and efficiency like never before.
Clippy versions on Windows 11: Paperclip, Clippy by FireCube, and Winpilot
There are currently several ways to get Clippy on Windows 11, each with its own features and benefits depending on the type of user:
- Paperclip (Fire Cube Studios): The option most faithful to the original spirit, but completely revamped. You can download it for free from the Microsoft Store by searching for "Paperclip." It allows you to interact with Clippy using artificial intelligence, thanks to integration with ChatGPT (requires an API key). OpenAI and ChatGPT Plus subscription to take advantage of all features). Currently, the primary language is English, but more support is expected in the future.
- Clippy by FireCube: Available thanks to the work of FireCube Studios, this version leverages the OpenAI API to provide Clippy with chatbot capabilities and advanced support on Windows 11. It stands out for its transparency (open source) and ease of customization.
- Winpilot: Formerly known as BloatyNosy and then BloatyNosyAI, Winpilot is an advanced utility for Windows 11 that integrates Clippy into its interface. The app, inspired by Copilot, allows you to control different aspects of the operating system and now includes Clippy as an assistant that guides you through its use. You can manage privacy settings, receive suggestions, and even restore classic system features.
Notably None of these versions have any direct relationship with Microsoft nor OpenAI, but are developed and maintained by third parties, which does not prevent them from being truly useful and secure, especially due to the open source approach of some projects.
What does the new AI Clippy offer?
The biggest difference from the original Clippy is its realistic interaction and usability.Thanks to integration with ChatGPT and similar models, the assistant not only answers questions, but can also assist with everyday tasks, offer contextualized responses, and even customize its behavior based on the user.
- Natural interaction: You can write or talk to them just like you would a colleague, and they'll understand complex requests, formulate tailored responses, and guide you step-by-step through what you need.
- Contextual assistance: It detects which application or context you're in and suggests precise solutions, both for office tasks and for advanced Windows 11 settings.
- Integration with apps: It works not only at the system level, but also in specific applications, providing specific help based on what you're doing.
- Personalization: You can modify Clippy's appearance, configure the type of notifications, and adjust how and when it assists you, adapting it to your work environment and preferences.
- Offline features: Some versions allow local use, selecting artificial intelligence models such as Gemma 3 (developed by Google), which improves privacy and eliminates the dependence on a constant internet connection.
For many users, this is a step up from the original Clippy, which was limited to offering predefined help, while now can become an intelligent copilot in your daily life.
How to install and configure Clippy on your system
Installing Clippy is, in general, very accessible thanks to its presence in the Microsoft Store or the use of cross-platform executablesDepending on the version you choose, the steps may vary:
- Paperclip (Microsoft Store): Search for “Paperclip” in the store, click “Get,” and install it. You may be prompted to install Microsoft Clipchamp, but you can skip this step if you don’t need it. After installation, you’ll need to generate an API key in ChatGPT and configure it for the wizard to fully function (only available for paid ChatGPT Plus users).
- Clippy by FireCube: Go to the official GitHub repository, download the file for your system (Windows, macOS, Linux), unzip it, and run the installer. You can select the AI model you want to use for Clippy's response, with Gemma 3 being one of the recommended options for local use. Configure access and customize the experience according to your preferences.
- Winpilot: Go to the developer's website or Winpilot repository, download the latest version, and configure the security and privacy settings upon first launch. From the interface itself, you can enable or disable Clippy, adjust how it interacts with the system and applications, and manage suggestions and recommendations.
Once installed, You can open Clippy from the Windows search bar. or with the keyboard shortcut “Windows + Shift + C.” If ChatGPT integration is enabled, you’ll have access to all smart features.
Safety requirements and considerations
To take full advantage of Clippy's AI-powered features, there are a few basic requirements to keep in mind:
- OpenAI API Key: A personal key is required to link the application to the ChatGPT service, which requires a paid subscription (ChatGPT Plus). Basic features can be run locally, but the full experience is available this way.
- Internet connection: It is essential for advanced use of ChatGPT, although some models and offline versions allow basic interaction without it. Configure ChatGPT as an assistant on Android It can be useful if you want to integrate this AI into other devices.
- Security and privacy: Since these are open-source applications, you can review the code to ensure there are no security risks. It's recommended to keep your system updated and use standard protection measures such as antivirus and firewalls, especially when interacting with services that require internet access.
Transparency in open source projects is one of the most valued advantages, since Any user can check the internal functioning of the assistant and contribute to its improvement.
Main advantages over the classic Clippy
Clippy's jump from a static support to a Interactive and customizable AI makes a huge difference in terms of user experience.:
- Personalized and updated answers: Unlike traditional assistants, which only responded according to established patterns, combining them with AI allows for solutions tailored to each user and situation.
- Learning capacity: Clippy learns from your interactions and adjusts its recommendations as you use it, improving through the use of advanced AI models.
- Transversal help: Not only does it assist with word processors, but it can also act on the entire system, whether configuring Windows, helping with games, or even guiding the use of programs as complex as Photoshop or Clipchamp.
- Possibility of operating offline: For those concerned about privacy, there are implementations that allow you to use Clippy without requiring internet access, keeping all data on the device.
All this makes the new Clippy a much more advanced and less annoying digital assistant for the user, who can decide exactly when and how they want to receive help.
Differences between alternatives: Paperclip, FireCube, Winpilot and other implementations
While all options share the essence of bringing Clippy back to the desktop, there are key differences:
- Paperclip and FireCube: They prioritize integration with ChatGPT and customization. They work docked on the desktop and allow you to move the window, close the chat but keep the assistant visible, and choose the AI model for use locally or online.
- Winpilot: It's more focused on optimizing the Windows 11 system, helping to remove bloatware, disabling ads, and improving the user experience. Here, Clippy acts as a guide within the app itself. It stands out for its new interface and for allowing advanced privacy management, as well as reintegrating traditional Windows functions (such as the classic context menu).
- Compatibility: While Winpilot and Paperclip are primarily targeted at Windows 11, the version released by the Electron team can be installed on macOS and even Linux, expanding the possibilities for those most nostalgic for classic computing.
Limitations of the revamped Clippy and upcoming developments
Despite the enthusiasm, It is important to take into account some current limitations:
- Languages: Most implementations are currently only available in English, although additional language support is planned in future updates.
- Limited access to free users: If you want to take full advantage of ChatGPT, you'll need a paid subscription (OpenAI API key).
- Quality of local AI models: The performance and accuracy of the assistants depend on the model selected. The lighter ones may provide less accurate answers (such as inaccurate jokes when asked about current personalities), but they are functional for home or recreational use.
- Intrusive interaction: Although many users remember Clippy as an annoying assistant, you can now configure its prominence level so that it only intervenes when you really want it to, thus avoiding unwanted interruptions.
- Development and updates: Because it depends on the community, the pace of improvement will depend on the involvement of users and developers, although the open source approach allows for continuous and collaborative evolution.
Clippy vs. Microsoft Copilot: Competition or Complement?
You can't talk about the "new Clippy" without mentioning Microsoft's commitment to Copilot, a much more ambitious AI assistant officially integrated into the Windows ecosystemCopilot is designed to guide the user through native and third-party applications, suggest actions, and, with the arrival of Copilot Vision, even analyze images and assist with software like Photoshop or Clipchamp.
The interesting thing is that Winpilot and other Clippy implementations seek to complement (and sometimes enhance) features that Copilot does not yet offer., or allow for a greater degree of customization and privacy. Winpilot also offers the option to disable or re-enable Copilot directly from its interface, making it clear that both can coexist according to each user's preferences.
The community and the future of Clippy in the age of AI
The Clippy phenomenon demonstrates that Nostalgia can be combined with the latest technology to offer useful and attractive tools. The community of developers and users has made this icon more powerful, inclusive, and flexible, adapting to current needs.
Thanks to the open source approach, Any user can participate, contribute new features or adapt the assistant to their particular needs.The outlook suggests we'll soon see improvements in language support, more customization options, and deeper integration of AI models that operate exclusively locally, ensuring complete anonymity even in professional settings.
Clippy's legacy is renewed, no longer as the clumsy assistant who interrupted without reason, but as A truly intelligent aid that takes into account what you need, how you need it and when you need it.
Today, we can enjoy Clippy on Windows 11 and beyond, whether to reminisce about the good old days, take advantage of artificial intelligence, or simply add a retro touch to our desktop. Technology advances, but sometimes the most special thing is being able to combine the classic with the new., and Clippy is the best example of this.
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