Oops! The Newest Windows Update from Microsoft Disables Copilot on PCs
Issues Arising from the March Windows 11 24H2 Update
Last week’s update for Windows 11 24H2 has proven to be chaotic, impacting not just users but also Microsoft itself. A significant issue has emerged where the Copilot AI assistant, which Microsoft has been promoting extensively, is unintentionally being uninstalled on certain devices.
As reported by Windows Latest, a bug linked to three updates—KB5053598 (Windows 11 24H2), KB5053602 (Windows 11 23H2), and KB5053606 (Windows 10 22H2)—is responsible for this glitch. Users are finding that the Copilot app is not only disappearing from their systems but is also being removed from the taskbar.
In light of these problems, Microsoft has acknowledged the bug and has updated its release notes to reflect this issue while working on a remedy.
What Can You Do?
While Microsoft is in the process of addressing the bug, users can take some steps to mitigate the problem. Here’s what you can do:
- Manually reinstall the Copilot app:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your device.
- Search for the Copilot app.
- Follow the prompts to reinstall it.
- Pin the app to your taskbar again:
- Once reinstalled, locate the Copilot app.
- Right-click on its icon and select “Pin to taskbar.”
It’s important to note that Copilot for Microsoft 365 remains unaffected by this specific bug.
Other Problems Associated with the Update
Users have reported various other issues with the March update for Windows 11 24H2. Some of the more common complaints include:
- Unexpected BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors.
- Crashing SSDs, leading to data loss.
- Errors with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), making remote access difficult.
These problems had been previously noted back in October when the Windows 11 24H2 version was first launched. Windows Latest states that this month’s update may have exacerbated these existing issues with RDP.
Further Reading: How to roll back a problematic Windows update.
In summary, the recent updates to Windows 11 are troubling, with significant impacts on various functionalities, especially concerning the Copilot AI. Users are encouraged to follow the workarounds until Microsoft delivers a permanent solution.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
