Microsoft’s March 2025 Windows update has inadvertently caused the Copilot app to vanish from some Windows 10 and 11 systems, leaving users puzzled and IT administrators scrambling for solutions. This unexpected glitch comes at a time when Microsoft has been heavily promoting Copilot as a cornerstone of its AI-driven future for Windows.
The Disappearing Copilot Act
The latest cumulative update, released on March 11, 2025, was intended to patch critical security vulnerabilities. However, it introduced an unintended side effect: the automatic removal of the Copilot app from affected systems. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue on its support page, 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 problem specifically impacts the standalone Copilot app and does not affect the Microsoft 365 Copilot integration. The update in question is KB5053598 for Windows 11 version 24H2 and KB5053606 for Windows 10 version 22H2.
Temporary Fix and Microsoft’s Response
While Microsoft works on a permanent solution, they’ve suggested a temporary workaround for affected users:
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows device.
Step 2: Search for “Copilot” in the store.
Step 3: Locate the official Microsoft Copilot app and click “Install” or “Get”.
Step 4: Once installed, right-click on the Copilot icon in the Start menu.
Step 5: Select “Pin to taskbar” to restore its previous position.
Microsoft has not provided a timeline for when a permanent fix will be available. Users are advised to keep an eye on the Windows release health dashboard for updates on this issue.
The Dilemma: To Update or Not to Update?
This Copilot removal issue is part of a larger pattern of problematic Windows updates in recent months. Some users have reported experiencing the dreaded “blue screen of death” after installing the March update. This situation presents a challenging dilemma for Windows users:
- Install the update to protect against critical security vulnerabilities
- Delay the update to avoid potential system instability and loss of features
The March security update addresses several zero-day vulnerabilities that are already being exploited by hackers. This makes postponing the update a risky proposition, especially for businesses and organizations that handle sensitive data.
Broader Implications for Windows Users
This incident raises questions about Microsoft’s quality control processes for Windows updates. It’s particularly concerning given that 2025 was meant to be “the year of the PC refresh” according to Microsoft’s marketing efforts.
For the approximately 800 million users still running Windows 10, this instability might give them pause about upgrading to Windows 11. Microsoft has been pushing for widespread adoption of Windows 11, touting its enhanced security features and AI capabilities. However, recurring update issues could undermine user confidence in the newer operating system.
What This Means for Copilot’s Future
The accidental removal of Copilot is especially ironic given Microsoft’s recent emphasis on AI integration in Windows. Copilot, which leverages large language models to assist users with various tasks, has been positioned as a key differentiator for Windows 11 systems.
This isn’t the first time Copilot has faced deployment issues. In June 2024, Microsoft had to remove a Copilot app that was “incorrectly” added to some Windows 10 and 11 systems by a buggy Microsoft Edge update. The company clarified that the mistakenly installed app didn’t collect or relay any data to Microsoft servers.
Advice for Windows Users
If you’re a Windows user facing this Copilot issue or considering whether to install the March update, here are some recommendations:
- Backup your important data before installing any major Windows update.
- If you rely heavily on Copilot, consider delaying the update until Microsoft releases a fix.
- For those who have already updated and lost Copilot, follow Microsoft’s temporary reinstallation instructions.
- Keep an eye on official Microsoft channels for news about a permanent solution.
- If you experience any severe issues after updating, use Windows’ built-in rollback feature to revert to a previous stable state.
As Microsoft works to resolve this Copilot conundrum, it’s a reminder that even in the age of AI assistants, technology can still be unpredictable. Whether this incident will impact the adoption of Copilot or user trust in Windows updates remains to be seen.