March 2025 Update for Windows 11 Removes Copilot App and Unpins from Taskbar
Issues with the Copilot App on Windows 11
The latest Windows 11 update, identified as KB5053598, has caused significant problems for the Microsoft Copilot app, an AI assistant integrated into Windows. Users are reporting that this update has led to the uninstallation of Copilot, causing frustration for many. Additionally, a related update, KB5053602, from March 2025 is also affecting Windows 11 23H2 users, removing the app from their systems. This issue does not stop there; users of Windows 10 with the KB5053606 update are experiencing similar problems.
What Users Are Experiencing
According to reports, when experiencing this issue, users will notice that Copilot disappears from their device. Microsoft has acknowledged these unexpected issues in an updated support document. Users may find that the app is not only uninstalled but also removed from their taskbar.
Affected Windows Versions
The bug seems to impact select versions of Windows. The affected systems are:
- Windows 11 24H2
- Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2
- Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2
Reinstalling Copilot
If you are among the users impacted by this issue, don’t worry. The Copilot app can still be downloaded again from the Microsoft Store. Once reinstalled, you can pin it back to your taskbar manually. This reinstall process is necessary because, unlike before, where Copilot was automatically installed, users now must do this on their own.
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft has not yet updated its Windows issue tracking page regarding this specific problem. However, the company has indicated that they are working on a solution. It’s important to note that this bug appears not to affect the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, formerly known as Office 365, which means that users in need of those capabilities can continue using that service without interruption.
Additional Problems with the March 2025 Update
While the Copilot bug is significant, the March 2025 update for Windows 11 has led to other notable issues as well. Some users are experiencing problems where the security patch fails to install on Windows 11 24H2 systems. There are also reports of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and premature SSD crashes that have emerged following the update. One of the most troubling issues relates to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), where users are facing connection problems post-update.
Current Status of Microsoft’s Investigation
At the moment, it remains unclear if Microsoft is actively investigating the more serious issues arising with their latest update. They have recognized the uninstallation bug of Copilot but have not provided any details on the broader concerns associated with the March update.
