Microsoft has confirmed that a recent Windows update has inadvertently removed the Copilot AI assistant from some Windows PCs. According to an official support document, the March Windows 11 update, KB5053598, is responsible for automatically uninstalling the artificial intelligence tool and removing it from users' taskbars.
The issue affects users who installed the KB5053598 update for Windows 11 24H2 as well as similar updates for other Windows versions. Microsoft acknowledged the problem in updated support documentation, stating: "We're aware of an issue with the Microsoft Copilot app affecting some devices. The app is unintentionally uninstalled and unpinned from the taskbar."
This mishap comes at an awkward time for Microsoft, which has been heavily promoting Copilot as a centerpiece of its AI strategy. The company is currently in the process of rolling out a new native version of the Copilot app for Windows with improved features, including a press-to-talk capability reminiscent of the old Cortana assistant.
Microsoft has indicated it's actively working on a solution to fix the issue. In the meantime, affected users can manually reinstall the Copilot app from the Microsoft Store and pin it back to their taskbar. The company clarified that the Microsoft 365 Copilot app remains unaffected by this bug.
Interestingly, the glitch has prompted mixed reactions from Windows users. While some rely on Copilot for productivity enhancements and are eager to get the assistant back, others have expressed satisfaction with its unexpected removal. Comments on social media suggest some users hope the "bug" might remain unfixed, highlighting the divided opinions about AI assistants being integrated into operating systems.
This isn't the first time Microsoft has had issues with Copilot deployment. In June 2024, the company had to remove a Copilot app that was "incorrectly" added to Windows systems by buggy Microsoft Edge updates. The company also faced backlash after adding Copilot to Windows Server 2025 preview builds, which it subsequently removed following criticism from administrators.
Microsoft has not yet added this known issue to its Windows release health dashboard, which typically notifies customers of ongoing problems affecting supported Windows versions. Users are advised to watch official Microsoft channels for future patches addressing this issue.
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Anthony Denis a Security News Reporter with a Bachelor's in Business Computer Application. Drawing from a decade of digital media marketing experience and two years of freelance writing, he brings technical expertise to cybersecurity journalism. His background in IT, content creation, and social media management enables him to deliver complex security topics with clarity and insight.
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