Microsoft’s latest cumulative updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 have triggered an unexpected issue: the uninstallation of the AI-powered Copilot assistant.
The glitch, which has impacted select devices, led to the abrupt disappearance of Copilot—a key component of Microsoft’s AI integration strategy. The company has acknowledged the issue and is working to resolve it in forthcoming patches.
Security Updates Remove Copilot
The problem arose with Microsoft’s March 2025 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates, which include build versions 19044.5608 and 19045.5608 for Windows 10 and 11.
These updates were designed primarily to improve system stability and security, but they inadvertently removed Copilot from affected devices. Users reported that Copilot had vanished from the taskbar and could no longer be accessed, leaving some without the assistant’s key functionalities.
Microsoft has confirmed the issue, specifying that it affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2, alongside Windows 10 version 22H2.
The uninstallation was unintentional, with the cause yet to be fully explained. The company also clarified that the issue affects only the native Copilot app, not the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which remains unaffected.
Copilot’s Growing Role and Recent Updates
This glitch comes amid major updates to Copilot in early 2025. As part of its push to integrate AI deeper into Windows, Microsoft transitioned Copilot into a native XAML-based application, moving away from the previous web-based implementation.
This change, part of a broader strategy to enhance system performance and reliability, introduced a redesigned interface featuring a side panel that stays open during use, allowing users to scroll through previous interactions.
The updates, made Copilot feel more integral to the system, improving accessibility and user experience.
Beyond design changes, the update included a feature that enables Copilot to recognize the specific version of Windows running on a device and tailor its responses accordingly.
This feature is particularly useful for troubleshooting and managing system settings, which aligns with Microsoft’s vision of embedding AI as an integral part of the operating system. Users now experience smoother interactions when performing tasks like setting up Bluetooth devices or accessing system files.
Workarounds and What’s Next for Affected Users
For those impacted by Copilot’s removal, Microsoft has recommended reinstalling the app through the Microsoft Store and pinning it back to the taskbar until a permanent fix is rolled out. While this restores some functionality, the workaround lacks the seamless integration users typically expect from an AI assistant that is supposed to be embedded within the system.
Looking ahead, Microsoft is preparing to announce new features for Copilot at an event scheduled for April 4, 2025. AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman will discuss upcoming advancements, including the development of in-house AI models aimed at competing with offerings from other tech giants like OpenAI.
These innovations are expected to broaden Copilot’s role in Windows. These developments suggest that Microsoft remains committed to improving Copilot, despite the recent issues.
Broader Issues and Patch Tuesday Fallout
The Copilot glitch wasn’t the only problem linked to the March 2025 updates. As noted in Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday release, users have reported a range of other issues, including Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, SSD crashes, and difficulties with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections.
These problems, though unrelated to Copilot, underscore concerns about the reliability of the update. While Microsoft made progress in addressing six actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities, the unintended removal of Copilot has overshadowed these security enhancements.
This serves as a reminder that while patching vulnerabilities is essential, testing updates thoroughly is equally important. Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Windows with AI-powered features is commendable, but incidents like this highlight the complexity of integrating such technologies smoothly into an operating system that powers millions of devices globally.
