Microsoft Update Accidentally Disables Copilot on Windows 11 Devices
Microsoft has recently confirmed an issue where the Copilot app, designed for Windows 11, has been unintentionally uninstalled from some users’ devices. This problem arose after the Patch Tuesday update on March 11, which led to the AI assistant being removed and unpinned from users’ taskbars.
Details of the Issue
According to a support document from Microsoft, the company is aware of this uninstallation issue affecting several devices. Microsoft recommends that those impacted reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store and pin it back to the taskbar as a temporary workaround while they work on a proper fix.
Cumulative Updates Involved
This issue is associated with cumulative updates KB5053598 for Windows 11 and KB5053606 for Windows 10. Despite the uninstallation occurring across multiple devices, Microsoft has yet to explain the cause or provide further information on its Windows release health dashboard, which tracks known issues.
Past Problems with Copilot
This isn’t the first time users have experienced problems with Microsoft’s Copilot app. In June 2024, an update for Microsoft Edge mistakenly installed Copilot on some systems running Windows 10 and 11. At that time, Microsoft clarified that the installation was part of a preparatory move for future enhancements and did not collect any personal user data.
Recent Upgrades to Copilot
Microsoft is in the process of rolling out an improved version of Copilot. This enhanced app will feature a new user interface and a press-to-talk capability, allowing for voice interactions by pressing the Alt + Spacebar keys. Future updates and enhancements are expected to be discussed at an upcoming event on April 4, coinciding with Microsoft’s 50th anniversary.
Wider Issues with Microsoft Services
The inadvertent removal of Copilot highlights other problems currently affecting Microsoft services. The company has also acknowledged a separate issue regarding Citrix components, which has hindered some devices from completing the January 2025 Windows security update. Moreover, some users with ARM devices have reported difficulties collecting and playing Roblox from the Microsoft Store, an issue that remains unresolved. For those impacted by Copilot’s uninstallation, reinstalling the app is the suggested remedial step until an official fix is issued.
Microsoft’s AI Development
In light of recent challenges, Microsoft is also making strides in the development of its own AI models to lessen its dependency on OpenAI. Reports from The Information reveal that the company has been exploring various models from xAI, Meta, and DeepSeek for potential integration into Copilot. This initiative, led by Mustafa Suleyman in Microsoft’s AI division, aims to develop models known as MAI. These models are said to achieve performance levels similar to top-performing AI systems, reinforcing Microsoft’s efforts to diversify its AI capabilities and reduce operational costs.
