Last week, users who updated to Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 version may have encountered an unexpected twist: the disappearance of the Copilot app. Released on March 11 as part of the monthly Patch Tuesday, update KB5053598 aimed to address various bugs while introducing new features. However, it inadvertently led to a glitch that has left some users without access to their favored AI assistant.
Understanding the Copilot Glitch
In a follow-up notice, Microsoft acknowledged that the regular Copilot app was unintentionally uninstalled and removed from the taskbar on certain devices. Notably, this issue does not extend to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which remains available for subscribers. The company is actively working on a fix to restore functionality for affected users.
For those who find their Copilot missing, the solution is straightforward. Users can navigate to the Microsoft Store, download the Copilot app, and execute the downloaded file. To restore the app to the taskbar, simply click the Start button, locate Copilot in the Start menu or All Apps screen, right-click the shortcut, select the More menu, and choose “Pin to Taskbar.” This will allow users to resume their interactions with Copilot seamlessly.
While this glitch is part of a broader pattern of issues plaguing Windows 11, particularly the 24H2 version, it remains a relatively minor inconvenience. The ease of reinstalling the app mitigates the disruption. However, it highlights ongoing challenges Microsoft faces in ensuring the stability and reliability of Windows 11. As the company prepares to phase out support for Windows 10 in October, addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining user trust and satisfaction.
