Microsoft’s new Copilot turns into a Windows 11 sidebar that pushes your apps aside to make room
May 24, 2026
Microsoft is currently navigating the complexities of integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into Windows 11. The latest development hints at a return to the original concept of having Copilot docked to the desktop, a design that allows it to coexist with other applications by pushing them aside to create space. This shift was first reported by Windows Latest and is gradually being rolled out to users.
I tested Copilot’s new docking capabilities on Windows 11
By default, Copilot continues to launch as a standalone app. However, users can now access a new drop-down menu in the title bar, revealing “snapping” options that facilitate the docking of Copilot. The specifics of whether Copilot will automatically dock to the left or right side when utilizing advanced features like Copilot Vision—an AI capability that allows it to view your screen—remain uncertain.
New Copilot app has custom snapping layout
A closer look at the interface reveals that Copilot’s new window snap suggestions bear a resemblance to the native Snap Layouts experience for app windows in Windows 11, although they function as distinct options.
Upon hovering over Copilot’s new menu, users are presented with dedicated layouts specifically for Copilot. These include:
The current experience where Copilot operates as a standalone app.
The existing picture-in-picture mode.
Two new docking options: one that positions Copilot on the left side and another on the right side.
You can dock Copilot to the left side
Windows 11’s interface automatically adjusts to accommodate the docked Copilot, shifting the desktop watermark or other elements to the opposite side while repositioning other applications to utilize the remaining space effectively. For instance, when File Explorer is opened in full screen, Copilot seamlessly occupies the right side of the screen, showcasing the new “docking” experience.
Copilot docked to right side on Windows 11
This docking mechanism echoes the initial vision for Copilot on Windows 11, where the AI was designed to work alongside applications rather than floating as an independent window. Once docked, Copilot remains pinned to the edge of the screen, allowing the rest of the desktop to adapt around it. This iteration provides users with enhanced control over Copilot’s appearance, enabling options to dock it to the left or to maintain a small window that hovers above other apps, akin to picture-in-picture mode.
Copilot is going back to the original UI/UX routes after several design revamps
Throughout its journey, Copilot on Windows 11 has undergone numerous redesigns—reportedly six times—yet the initial concept remains the most appealing due to its native feel. For those who may not recall, Copilot was originally introduced on Windows 11 as a sidebar, a feature that was later replaced.
Copilot’s original design on Windows 11 from 2024
Initially, Microsoft envisioned Copilot as an assistant that would sit alongside applications, allowing users to ask questions related to their current tasks. While the idea had merit, the execution fell short due to Copilot’s reliance on web technologies, which limited its integration with other applications.
Subsequently, Microsoft transitioned from the sidebar integration to a full-fledged Copilot app, which has recently reverted to a web app format. Recent findings by Windows Latest indicate that Copilot is now packaged as an Edge-based wrapper, complete with a private instance of Microsoft’s browser. The rationale behind bundling Copilot with its own version of Edge remains unclear, but it may enhance the overall docking experience.
What are your thoughts on this new Copilot user interface? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below.
Microsoft’s new Copilot turns into a Windows 11 sidebar that pushes your apps aside to make room
Microsoft is currently navigating the complexities of integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into Windows 11. The latest development hints at a return to the original concept of having Copilot docked to the desktop, a design that allows it to coexist with other applications by pushing them aside to create space. This shift was first reported by Windows Latest and is gradually being rolled out to users.
I tested Copilot’s new docking capabilities on Windows 11
By default, Copilot continues to launch as a standalone app. However, users can now access a new drop-down menu in the title bar, revealing “snapping” options that facilitate the docking of Copilot. The specifics of whether Copilot will automatically dock to the left or right side when utilizing advanced features like Copilot Vision—an AI capability that allows it to view your screen—remain uncertain.
A closer look at the interface reveals that Copilot’s new window snap suggestions bear a resemblance to the native Snap Layouts experience for app windows in Windows 11, although they function as distinct options.
Upon hovering over Copilot’s new menu, users are presented with dedicated layouts specifically for Copilot. These include:
Windows 11’s interface automatically adjusts to accommodate the docked Copilot, shifting the desktop watermark or other elements to the opposite side while repositioning other applications to utilize the remaining space effectively. For instance, when File Explorer is opened in full screen, Copilot seamlessly occupies the right side of the screen, showcasing the new “docking” experience.
This docking mechanism echoes the initial vision for Copilot on Windows 11, where the AI was designed to work alongside applications rather than floating as an independent window. Once docked, Copilot remains pinned to the edge of the screen, allowing the rest of the desktop to adapt around it. This iteration provides users with enhanced control over Copilot’s appearance, enabling options to dock it to the left or to maintain a small window that hovers above other apps, akin to picture-in-picture mode.
Copilot is going back to the original UI/UX routes after several design revamps
Throughout its journey, Copilot on Windows 11 has undergone numerous redesigns—reportedly six times—yet the initial concept remains the most appealing due to its native feel. For those who may not recall, Copilot was originally introduced on Windows 11 as a sidebar, a feature that was later replaced.
Initially, Microsoft envisioned Copilot as an assistant that would sit alongside applications, allowing users to ask questions related to their current tasks. While the idea had merit, the execution fell short due to Copilot’s reliance on web technologies, which limited its integration with other applications.
Subsequently, Microsoft transitioned from the sidebar integration to a full-fledged Copilot app, which has recently reverted to a web app format. Recent findings by Windows Latest indicate that Copilot is now packaged as an Edge-based wrapper, complete with a private instance of Microsoft’s browser. The rationale behind bundling Copilot with its own version of Edge remains unclear, but it may enhance the overall docking experience.
What are your thoughts on this new Copilot user interface? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below.