Why won't my Microsoft Copilot open?

Question

Why won't my Microsoft Copilot open?

Samara Wong 5

I'm clicking on the Copilot app icon in my taskbar, and no matter how much I press, it won't open. The loading timer thing on the mouse shows up for a few seconds, but then it disappears and Copilot doesn't open.

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Answer 1

Vikki-T 5,540 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Dear Samara Wong,

I can imagine it’s frustrating when the Copilot icon reacts, shows the loading cursor for a few seconds, and then nothing opens.

To help narrow this down, could you please let me know a few details?

When did this start, was it after a recent Windows update, restart, or app change?
If you open Copilot from the Start menu instead of the taskbar, does it behave the same way?
Are you using Windows 10 or Windows 11, and is the device fully updated?
Are you signed in to Copilot with a personal Microsoft account?
Do other Microsoft Store apps open normally on this device?

In the meantime, please try these steps:

Restart the PC

Then try opening Copilot again from both the taskbar and the Start menu.

Check for Windows updates

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
Install any available updates, then restart the device.

Update Microsoft Store apps

Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates
Let all available app updates finish, then test Copilot again.

Repair the Copilot app

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Copilot > Advanced options > Repair
After that, try launching it again.
In the same Advanced options page, select Reset
Then test whether Copilot opens normally.

Reinstall Copilot

If the issue continues, uninstall Copilot from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
After reinstalling, try launching it again and pin it back to the taskbar if needed.

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding.

I hope these steps help restore Copilot on your device soon. Wishing you a smooth experience getting everything working normally again.

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Vikki-T 5,540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-20T14:30:24.32+00:00

Hi Samara Wong,

It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.
BT 0 Reputation points

2026-03-26T02:34:07.07+00:00

hi @Vikki-T
I also encountered a similar issue. Microsoft Copilot does not open when I click on the taskbar icon. I tried searching and clicking again in the Start menu, but it didn’t work—everything stayed frozen. I went into the app settings to repair it, but that was unsuccessful. The only way I can currently use it is to uninstall and then reinstall. Alternatively, I can go to Apps & Features, select Copilot, and choose Modify. This is equivalent to reinstalling, and then the Copilot window appears and works normally. However, when I close the Copilot window and try to open it again, everything goes back to the same problem—nothing happens.

Each time I want to use it, I have to uninstall or modify to reinstall. Of course, this only happens with the Microsoft Copilot app. If I log in via the web browser, everything works fine. But it’s inconvenient for me not to be able to access it quickly from the taskbar. I’m using Windows 10, version 22H2-19045.7058. I’m not sure of the cause, since Copilot was working normally just a few days ago.
Vikki-T 5,540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-27T14:32:17.5333333+00:00
Hi BT,

It must be so inconvenient, especially when Copilot only works right after reinstalling or using Modify, but then stops opening again once the window is closed.

The details you shared are very helpful. Since Copilot works on the web and only the Windows app is affected and you already tried Repair and confirmed that reinstalling only helps temporarily, please try the steps below next:

Update Windows and Microsoft Store apps

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates

Then open Microsoft Store > See more > Downloads and updates > Get updates

After all updates are installed, restart the PC and test Copilot again

Reset the Microsoft Store cache

Press Windows + R

Type wsreset.exe and press Enter

Wait for the process to complete and for Microsoft Store to open automatically

Then try launching Copilot again

Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot

Select Windows Store Apps and run the troubleshooter

Apply any suggestions it offers, then test Copilot again

Run the Copilot troubleshooters in Get Help

Open the Get Help app

Search for Copilot

Run the available Copilot troubleshooters, especially the connectivity and license checks

I hope these steps help restore Copilot on your device soon. Wishing you a smooth experience getting everything working normally again.

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Why won't my Microsoft Copilot open?

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