In recent years, Microsoft’s Windows updates have predominantly centered around the integration of generative AI features into the operating system, prominently featuring various iterations of the Copilot assistant. This innovative tool has found its way into Windows 11 as a native application, transitioned to a web app format, and is now poised to re-emerge as a native app once more. However, this month’s updates have introduced an unexpected twist.
Recent Changes to Copilot
According to a Microsoft support document, some Windows 11 users are experiencing the removal of the Copilot app from their devices, along with its unpinning from the taskbar. While this issue does not impact systems where Copilot has already been uninstalled, it has sparked confusion among a segment of Windows users who rely on this feature.
In response to the situation, Microsoft has assured users that it is “working on a resolution to address the issue.” For those eager to restore Copilot, the company recommends a straightforward solution: users can reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store and repin it to the taskbar, mirroring the installation process for systems where Copilot has been previously removed.
Since mid-2023, various versions of Copilot have been included in new Windows 11 installations, and Microsoft even introduced a dedicated Copilot key on standard Windows keyboards in early 2024. Nevertheless, the assistant’s functionality and presence have undergone several transformations during this period, reflecting the dynamic nature of software development and user experience.
