Microsoft is unveiling a new iteration of its Copilot application for Windows 11, but early users are discovering that the app may not be as independent as it initially appears. A closer examination of its files reveals that launching Copilot essentially opens Microsoft Edge, positioning it more as a rebranded browser wrapper than a standalone AI assistant.
Installation Insights
For those yet to experience Copilot, a search in the Microsoft Store reveals a new listing for “Microsoft Copilot,” complete with a download button. Interestingly, even if Copilot is already installed, the download process is swift, as it merely retrieves an installer—echoing the method used for Microsoft Edge. The Store interface indicates that users must take further action in a separate window, signaling a shift away from direct downloads through the Store.
Upon installation, the previous native Copilot app, which was built on WinUI, is automatically replaced by the new version. This transition raises questions about the app’s architecture; a deeper dive shows that the revamped Copilot operates as a hybrid web application, utilizing a rebranded version of Edge within a WebView2 container. Its installation directory includes a complete set of Microsoft Edge files, encompassing essential binaries like msedge.exe and msedge.dll, along with the full Chromium engine.
In a revealing test, user @TheBobPony on X demonstrated this by renaming the Copilot executable from mscopilot.exe to msedge.exe and changing its folder name from “Copilot” to “Edge.” This simple alteration resulted in the launch of Microsoft Edge, underscoring the app’s underlying structure.
Future Directions
Recently, Microsoft articulated its ambition to develop 100% native applications for Windows 11, with a Partner Architect publicly assembling a team to pursue this goal. However, it remains unclear whether this initiative will extend to existing applications, suggesting that the current Copilot may not align with these future aspirations.
For the average user, the key takeaway is straightforward: the new Copilot comes bundled with a hidden, complete version of Microsoft Edge, presenting itself as a web app dressed in a new guise. Whether Microsoft’s commitment to native app development will eventually transform Copilot into a more autonomous tool is yet to be determined.
