Windows 11 (25H2) - Copilot App Removed Google Sign-In (Memory Access Broken, Hardcoded Copilot Key Obsolete)

Question

Hello,

I need clarification on a major issue with the Copilot app on Windows 11 (25H2) 26200.7019.

Until very recently, I was able to sign in to the Copilot desktop app using my Google account. It wasn’t always consistent - sometimes the option didn’t appear until I restarted the app a few times - but it was there. As of the latest update, the Google sign-in option has been completely removed from the desktop app.

Meanwhile, the web version of Copilot still allows Google sign-in (screenshot attached). This inconsistency is extremely disruptive:

image.png

(Attached: Screenshot comparison - Copilot app on Windows vs. on web with Google sign-in)

• I only started using Copilot’s memory services on October 30th. I was initially cautious about sharing data, but I committed to Google sign-in because it seemed supported.

My device has a hardcoded Copilot key. Previously, pressing it would instantly bring me back to my last Copilot conversation - a huge workflow advantage. Now, since the app no longer supports Google sign-in, the key is essentially useless unless I start over with a Microsoft account.

• My Microsoft account uses the same email as my Google account. Does this create any conflict?

Over the past few days, I’ve relied on Copilot for major planning and decision-making. Losing access to my memory continuity has completely disrupted both my digital and physical workflow.

I attempted to override the Copilot key to redirect to the web version (where Google sign-in still works), but even after uninstalling the app, pressing the key still tries to invoke the desktop Copilot. My override attempts were unsuccessful.

As a workaround, I’ve resorted to AutoHotKey scripts bound to F11 and F12 to open specific Copilot web conversations in Chrome. This is functional but clumsy compared to the integrated Copilot key.

This feels like a silent removal of a critical feature without warning. If I had known Google sign-in was going to be pulled, I would have started with a Microsoft account from the beginning. Instead, I now feel locked out of my own memory continuity.

My questions:

Is the removal of Google sign-in from the Copilot desktop app intentional?

If so, why is it still supported on the web?

Will Google sign-in return to the desktop app?

If Google sign-in is being deprecated entirely, what happens to the data and memory already tied to Google accounts?

Why was this change made without any notice to users who rely on memory continuity?

This change has made my hardcoded Copilot key obsolete and broken a workflow I had just committed to. It feels like something that didn’t need fixing was changed - and in the process, it was broken.

Please provide clarity on whether this is a bug, an intentional change, or a temporary inconsistency.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi TH,

Thank you for sharing your detailed experience and concerns regarding the recent changes to the Windows 11 Copilot desktop app sign-in options.

To clarify, the web version of Copilot continues to support Google sign-ins. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not yet provided public communication explaining why this disparity exists or if and when Google sign-in support will return to the desktop app.

We understand that this change disrupts workflows, especially for users relying on memory continuity tied to Google accounts and the integrated Copilot hardware key functionality. Currently, the only fully supported sign-in method for the desktop app is a Microsoft account. When the same email is used for both Google and Microsoft accounts, they are treated as separate identities by the app, which can affect access to stored data and memory continuity.

While no official timeline or roadmap has been announced regarding restoring Google sign-in on desktop, or clarifying the fate of data linked to Google accounts within the app, we recommend using Microsoft account sign-in on the desktop app for seamless functionality.

Your workaround with AutoHotKey scripts to access the web version is a practical interim approach. Your feedback on the silent removal and impact on workflow is valuable, and it is encouraged to submit feedback through the official Microsoft feedback channels to help influence future updates. You can use Window + F to send your feedback. You can refer to: Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as Microsoft works on improving Copilot experiences. If any official updates are released, I will strive to share them promptly.

Warm regards.