copilot disappearing

Question

The copilot icon even when pinned to the task bar, disappears after working on the app. This is evidently a known problem. How can this be resolved?

Answer 1

Welcome Spencer Tarr,

I understand how frustrating it can be when the Microsoft Copilot icon disappears from the taskbar even after being pinned, once you start using the app. 

To help identify the fastest resolution, please confirm the following:  

• Are you using Windows 11 with Copilot enabled for a personal Microsoft account (not a work or school account)? 
• Does the Copilot icon disappear only after closing the Copilot window, or while it is still running in the background? 

In the meantime, you can try the steps below to troubleshoot the issue:  

Option 1: Restart Windows Explorer 

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager 
• Locate Windows Explorer 
• Right-click it and select Restart 

Option 2: Re‑pin Copilot after resetting taskbar cache 

• Unpin Copilot from the taskbar 
• Sign out of Windows 
• Sign back in and pin Copilot again from Start 

Option 3: Check taskbar behavior settings 

• Open Settings > Personalization 
• Select Taskbar 
• Make sure taskbar customization options are enabled and not restricted 

Option 4: Repair the Copilot app 

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps 
• Find Microsoft Copilot > click three-dot and choose Advanced options 
• Choose Repair 

I hope this information helps resolve your issue. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me again in this thread. 

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