General problems with Windows Edge, Copilot and MS-365

Question

After update of Microsoft EDGE I have get Co-pilot which I never have wanted installed. The situation is that I cant do anything with out Co-pilot. I.E I am admin but I cant go directly to my account and admin tools.

Answer 1

Copilot in Edge and Microsoft 365 is now integrated by default after recent updates, and in some cases an Edge update can also install a Windows Copilot-related component. However, this component does not fully enable Copilot or take over the device, and it does not run code or collect data.

To reduce Copilot’s impact and regain normal access to Edge and Microsoft 365 admin tools, use these approaches:

1. In Microsoft Edge, check sidebar and Copilot settings
   • Go to edge://settings/appearance/copilotAndSidebar.
   • If the sidebar is causing issues, set the sidebar to Always on temporarily so it is visible, then:
     • Under App specific settings, select Copilot.
     • Turn off Show Copilot button on the toolbar if available.
   • If sidebar settings are unavailable or locked, they might be controlled by policy and require IT/admin changes.
2. Verify that Copilot is not being blocked or forced by policy
   • In Edge, go to edge://policy.
   • Check whether policies such as HubsSidebarEnabled, ExtensionInstallBlocklist, or a wildcard block/allow list are configured in a way that forces or hides the sidebar and Copilot.
   • If policies are set and this is a work device, contact the organization’s IT administrator to adjust them (for example, set HubsSidebarEnabled to Enabled or Not Configured, and ensure the Copilot extension ID is not being blocked or forced in an unintended way).
3. Update Edge to the latest version
   • Go to edge://settings/help.
   • Let Edge check for and install updates, then restart Edge.
   • Recent Edge versions have corrected behavior where a “Microsoft Copilot” app entry appeared in Installed apps without actually enabling Copilot.
4. Understand the “Microsoft Copilot” entry in Installed apps
   • Some Edge 123+ updates installed a package called “Microsoft chat provider for Copilot in Windows”, which caused a Microsoft Copilot entry to appear in Installed apps.
   • This package:
     • Does not execute any code or processes.
     • Does not acquire, analyze, or transmit device or environment data.
     • Does not fully install or enable Copilot.
   • Edge version 124.0.2478.67 and later remove this package from affected devices, and Edge version 126.0.2592.56 completes removal so the Microsoft Copilot entry no longer appears in Installed apps once Edge is updated.
5. If Copilot is blocking access to Microsoft 365 admin tools
   • If Copilot panes or UI overlays are interfering with navigation in Microsoft 365 apps, follow the guidance for missing/disabled Copilot to ensure it is correctly configured rather than partially broken:
     • Use the steps in “How to find and enable missing Copilot button in Microsoft 365 apps” (linked in the context) to verify Copilot’s state.
   • If Copilot is still behaving incorrectly or preventing normal use, and this is a business tenant:
     • Ask the Microsoft 365 admin to verify that Copilot is not being blocked or misconfigured by organizational policies.
6. If issues persist
   • For home users: contact Microsoft Support for assistance with Copilot behavior and Edge/Microsoft 365 access.
   • For business users: the Microsoft 365 admin can open a support ticket with Microsoft to review tenant-level Copilot and Edge policy configuration.

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References:

• Copilot icon doesn't appear in Microsoft Edge sidebar
• Resolved issues in Windows 11, version 21H2
• Copilot is missing, disabled, or doesn't work correctly
• I am getting license validation errors with Copilot