Why is the co-pilot app not working?

Question

It was shortly gone yesterday but returned a few minutes.

But now it's really gone!

I wonder now if this is only a hiccup?

Answer 1

Dear Pian, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand it can be confusing when the Copilot app briefly appears and then seems to disappear again. To help narrow this down, could you please share a bit more detail? 

• Could you describe exactly how Copilot is “gone”? If there is any error text/code, could you share the exact wording? 
• Where are you trying to use Copilot: on a Windows PC (taskbar/app), in a web browser, inside Microsoft 365 apps (e.g., Outlook/Word/Teams), or on the mobile Copilot app (iOS/Android)? 
• If on Windows, which version/build are you on (Settings > System > About), and did this start after any recent Windows Updates? 
• Are you signing in with a work/school account or a personal Microsoft account, and is the device managed by your organization? 
• If in a browser, which browser/version and do you use any extensions (ad blockers, privacy tools)? 
• If on mobile, which OS (iOS/Android) and app version? 

In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: 

If you’re on Windows 

1. Check the taskbar toggle 

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and turn Copilot to On (if available). 
• If you have a keyboard Copilot key, try pressing it to open Copilot. 

2. Restart Explorer & reboot once 

• Right‑click the taskbar > Task Manager > Windows Explorer > Restart. 
• Then restart the PC. 

3. Update Windows & Store apps 

• Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. 
• Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates (update Microsoft Edge and any WebView2/Runtime items if shown). 

4. Repair/Reset the Copilot app 

• Settings > Apps > Installed apps > search Copilot > Advanced options > Repair (then Reset if needed). 

5. Try a clean profile test 

• Sign out/in, or create a temporary local account to see if Copilot appears there (helps tell if it’s profile‑specific). 

If you’re using Copilot on the web 

• Private window & extensions: Try an InPrivate/Incognito window with extensions disabled. 
• Clear cache for the site and try another browser (Edge) and another network (e.g., mobile hotspot) to rule out local/network filtering. 

If you’re on the mobile Copilot app 

• Update the app from the App Store/Google Play. 
• Force close and re‑open; if still missing, Reinstall the app. 
• Ensure Date & Time are set to Automatic, and on Android, update Android System WebView and Chrome from Google Play. 

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 the suggestions above help Copilot appear consistently and keep your work on track. Wishing you a hassle‑free experience. 

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Answer 2

The Copilot app on Windows can temporarily disappear or stop working if it has been uninstalled, is updating, or there is an issue with the installation. This can look like a “hiccup” where it’s briefly unavailable and then returns.

If the Copilot app is now completely gone and does not come back, it may have been removed and needs to be reinstalled:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Settings > Apps (Windows 10).
2. Search for Copilot in the installed apps list.
   • If Copilot appears, select it and choose Uninstall, then reinstall it from Microsoft Store to repair a broken install.
   • If Copilot does not appear, install it from Microsoft Store.

For advanced scenarios, Copilot can also be removed via PowerShell using the guidance in Remove the Copilot app. If that method was used in the environment, Copilot will remain unavailable until it is allowed/installed again.

If Copilot keeps disappearing or fails to open after reinstalling, check for Windows updates and install any pending updates, then restart the device and verify again in the apps list.

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References:

• Welcome to Copilot on Windows