Microsoft Copilot has become one of the most useful AI-powered features available on Windows 11 and, in some cases, Windows 10. Whether you use it to summarize documents, generate content, answer questions, or streamline daily tasks, it can save you a lot of time. However, like any Windows feature, Copilot may occasionally stop working. You might click the Copilot icon, and nothing happens; the app may refuse to open, or you could receive an error message while trying to use it.
Follow each step mentioned below in order, and you’ll have the best chance of getting Microsoft Copilot working again on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Copilot Is Not Working in Windows 11/10
To fix Copilot not working in Windows 11/10, first restart your computer and ensure you have a stable internet connection. Next, verify that Microsoft Copilot is available in your region, install the latest Windows updates, repair or reset the Copilot app, restart essential Windows services, and repair corrupted system files using built-in Windows tools. If the problem continues, reinstall the latest updates or create a new Windows user account.
Let’s learn the steps in detail!
Step 1: Restart Your Windows PC
The first thing you should do is perform a complete restart of your computer. Temporary Windows processes sometimes become stuck, preventing Copilot from opening or responding.
Save your work, close all running applications, click Start, select Power, and choose Restart. Once Windows loads again, wait a minute for background services to finish starting before opening Copilot.
A restart clears temporary memory, reloads Windows services, reconnects network components, and refreshes system processes that Copilot depends on. Many users find that this simple step fixes temporary glitches immediately.
Step 2: Make Sure Your Internet Connection Is Working
Unlike many traditional Windows apps, Microsoft Copilot relies heavily on Microsoft’s online AI services. If your internet connection is unstable or disconnected, Copilot may fail to load or display an endless loading screen.
Open your web browser and visit a few websites to confirm your connection is working properly. If pages load slowly, restart your modem or router and reconnect your PC to the network.
If you’re using a VPN, temporarily disconnect it and try opening Copilot again. Some VPN servers may interfere with Microsoft’s online services.
Step 3: Verify That Copilot Is Available on Your Device
Not every Windows edition or regional configuration supports Microsoft Copilot.
Open Settings, select System, then look for Copilot or search for Copilot using Windows Search. If the feature isn’t available, make sure your Windows version officially supports it.
Some managed work or school computers may have Copilot disabled by an administrator. In those situations, you’ll need to contact your organization’s IT department.
Step 4: Install the Latest Windows Updates
Running an outdated version of Windows is one of the most common reasons Copilot may stop functioning correctly.
Open Settings, choose Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Download every available update, including optional quality updates if recommended for your device.
Once installation finishes, restart your PC before testing Copilot again.
Microsoft regularly releases bug fixes that improve compatibility, stability, and security for Windows features, including Copilot.
Step 5: Check Whether Copilot Is Enabled
Sometimes Copilot has been disabled accidentally after a Windows update or system configuration change.
Open Settings and search for Copilot. If you find an option to enable it, turn it on.
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, you may also need to verify that local policy settings haven’t disabled the feature. If your computer belongs to a company or school, these settings may be managed automatically.
After enabling Copilot, restart Windows and test it again.
Step 6: Repair or Reset the Copilot App
If the application itself has become corrupted, Windows provides built-in repair options.
Open Settings, select Apps, then Installed Apps. Locate Microsoft Copilot, click the menu beside it, and choose Advanced options.
First select Repair. Windows will attempt to fix damaged application files while preserving your settings.
If the issue remains, return to the same page and select Reset. This recreates the application’s local data and often resolves persistent startup problems.
Step 7: Restart Windows Explorer
Since Copilot integrates with the Windows interface, restarting Windows Explorer can refresh the desktop environment.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Locate Windows Explorer, right-click it, and choose Restart.
Your taskbar and desktop may briefly disappear before returning. Once everything reloads, open Copilot again.
This refreshes several Windows interface components without requiring a complete system restart.
Step 8: Repair Corrupted Windows System Files
Damaged Windows system files can prevent built-in features from working properly.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following command:
sfc /scannow
Allow the scan to finish.
Afterward, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These built-in tools automatically detect and repair corrupted Windows components that could affect Copilot.
Restart your PC once both scans are complete.
Step 9: Sign Out and Sign Back Into Your Microsoft Account
Some Copilot features rely on your Microsoft account.
Open Settings, select Accounts, then sign out of your Microsoft account.
Restart your PC, sign back in, and launch Copilot again.
This refreshes account authentication and reconnects Windows to Microsoft’s cloud services.
Step 10: Create a New Windows User Profile
If Copilot works incorrectly only on your account, your Windows profile may be damaged.
Open Settings, navigate to Accounts, then Other users.
Create a new local or Microsoft account and sign into the new profile.
Before installing additional software, test whether Copilot opens normally.
If it works in the new account, the issue is likely limited to your original Windows profile.
Step 11: Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily
Some antivirus or firewall applications can block services that Copilot uses.
Temporarily disable your third-party security software for a short time and check whether Copilot starts working.
If it does, add Copilot or related Microsoft services to the software’s allowed list before turning protection back on.
Avoid leaving your antivirus disabled longer than necessary.
Step 12: Reinstall Recent Windows Updates if Necessary
If Copilot stopped working immediately after a Windows update, that update may not have installed correctly.
Open Settings, go to Windows Update, then Update history.
If necessary, uninstall the most recent quality update, restart your PC, and install it again through Windows Update.
A fresh installation often replaces damaged update files and restores missing Windows components.
FAQs
Why is Microsoft Copilot not opening in Windows 11?
The most common reasons include outdated Windows updates, internet connectivity problems, corrupted app files, disabled Windows settings, or temporary software glitches. Working through the troubleshooting steps above usually resolves the issue.
Does Copilot require an internet connection?
Yes. Microsoft Copilot relies on Microsoft’s cloud-based AI services, so an active internet connection is required for most features to function properly.
Can Windows updates fix Copilot problems?
Yes. Microsoft frequently releases updates that improve Copilot’s stability, compatibility, and overall performance. Keeping Windows fully updated is one of the best ways to prevent future issues.
Will resetting Copilot delete my files?
No. Resetting the Copilot app only restores its application data and settings. Your personal documents, photos, and other files remain unaffected.
Why does Copilot work on another user account but not mine?
This usually indicates that your current Windows user profile has become corrupted. Creating a new profile or repairing the existing one can often resolve the issue.
Summary
When Microsoft Copilot stops working in Windows 11 or Windows 10, the problem is usually easier to fix than it first appears. Simple actions such as restarting your PC, checking your internet connection, installing the latest Windows updates, and repairing the Copilot app solve the majority of cases.
If the issue persists, repairing Windows system files, refreshing your Microsoft account, creating a new user profile, or reinstalling recent updates can restore normal functionality.
By following these steps in order, you can systematically eliminate the most common causes and get Copilot running smoothly again.