Struggling with “Copilot Not Working”? This guide explains common causes, simple fixes, and expert solutions to get Microsoft Copilot running again.
What Is the Copilot Not Working Issue?
If you are using Microsoft Copilot and suddenly notice that it is not responding, not loading, or not functioning the way it should, you are not alone. Many users occasionally run into the issue of Copilot not working — and it can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it to boost productivity.
This problem can appear in many forms: the Copilot panel might not open, it may stay stuck in loading, or it might give error messages when asked to perform tasks. Some users experience these issues after a system update, while others notice them out of the blue. Regardless of how it starts, the effect is usually the same — it breaks your workflow and causes unnecessary delays.
There is good news, though. Most of the time, this issue is temporary and can be resolved with a few adjustments. Whether you’re using Copilot in Windows, Microsoft 365, or Edge, understanding what causes the problem is the first step to fixing it.
Here are a few reasons why this issue matters:
- 🕒 Wasted time: If Copilot is not working, daily tasks that usually take seconds might take much longer.
- 🔄 Disrupted workflow: You may need to switch between tools or do tasks manually.
- 💡 Missed insights: Copilot often provides suggestions you might not think of yourself.
- 🔒 Access issues: If it fails due to network or sign-in problems, it can prevent you from reaching files or commands.
- ⚙️ System misconfigurations: The root issue could point to bigger problems in settings or updates.
Let’s explore what typically causes this issue and what you can do to bring Copilot back to life.
📚 Table of Contents
• 🔍 Most Common Causes of Copilot Not Working
• 🛠️ How to Fix Copilot Not Working
• 🧪 Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
• 💬 User Experiences
• ❓ FAQ – Copilot Not Working
• 📚 Related Guides
🔍 Most Common Causes of Copilot Not Working
Before we look at how to fix this, it helps to understand why it happens. In many cases, the problem is not with Copilot itself, but with something around it — such as your internet connection, sign-in credentials, or settings.
| ⚠️ Problem Title | 💬 Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Poor Internet Connection | Copilot requires a stable internet connection. Without it, it cannot function. |
| 🔐 Microsoft Account Not Signed In | If you are not signed in properly, Copilot may not launch or respond. |
| ⚙️ Outdated Microsoft 365 Apps | Older app versions may not support the latest Copilot features. |
| 🧩 Browser Extensions Interfering | In Edge or other browsers, extensions may block Copilot scripts from loading. |
| 🔄 Windows Update Pending | An unfinished update can interrupt Copilot’s system-level functions. |
| 🗂️ Corrupted System Files | Damaged files or registry errors can stop Copilot from launching correctly. |
| 🔄 Copilot Configuration Reset | Settings might have reset after an update, disabling Copilot features. |
| 🧱 Firewall or Antivirus Blocking | Security software may treat Copilot’s requests as suspicious and block them. |
| 🧰 Device or Admin Restrictions | On some company-managed devices, Copilot might be restricted by policy. |
| 📁 Temporary Cache Build-Up | Cache or stored sessions may interfere with proper loading of Copilot. |
🛠️ How to Fix Copilot Not Working
If Copilot is not working, do not worry. Many users solve this with a few simple steps. Below are practical methods to help you restore full functionality. These are safe, easy to follow, and can be done without technical knowledge.
Take your time, follow each step carefully, and your Microsoft Copilot not working issue may be resolved in minutes.
1. 🌐 Restart Your Internet Connection
🧠 Why it works:
Copilot relies on cloud services. A weak or unstable connection can stop it from working.
📌 How to do it:
• Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug your ethernet cable
• Wait 10 seconds and reconnect
• Test another website or app to confirm your connection is working
2. 🔐 Re-sign into Your Microsoft Account
🧠 Why it works:
Copilot needs an active Microsoft account session to function properly.
📌 How to do it:
• Open your Microsoft app or settings
• Sign out of your account completely
• Sign back in and verify with any security code if asked
3. 🛠️ Check for Microsoft 365 Updates
🧠 Why it works:
New updates often include important bug fixes for Copilot features.
📌 How to do it:
• Open any Microsoft 365 app (like Word or Excel)
• Go to File > Account > Update Options
• Click “Update Now” and let it finish
4. 🧹 Clear Browser Cache (for Edge Copilot)
🧠 Why it works:
Old cookies or cache can block new Copilot sessions.
📌 How to do it:
• Open Microsoft Edge
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete
• Select “Cached images and files” and click “Clear now”
5. 🧩 Disable Browser Extensions
🧠 Why it works:
Extensions might block Copilot features from loading.
📌 How to do it:
• Open Edge and click the puzzle icon
• Disable all extensions temporarily
• Refresh the page and test Copilot again
6. 🔄 Restart Your Device
🧠 Why it works:
Many background issues clear up with a fresh restart.
📌 How to do it:
• Save your work
• Restart your computer
• Try opening Copilot again
7. ⚙️ Enable Copilot in Windows Settings
🧠 Why it works:
Copilot may be disabled after a recent update.
📌 How to do it:
• Open Windows Settings > Personalization > Copilot
• Make sure the toggle is turned ON
• Restart your PC if prompted
8. 🧱 Review Firewall and Antivirus Settings
🧠 Why it works:
Security tools sometimes block cloud services like Copilot.
📌 How to do it:
• Open your antivirus or firewall app
• Look for recent blocked apps or services
• Allow or whitelist Microsoft Copilot if shown
9. 🧰 Ask Your IT Admin (for Work Devices)
🧠 Why it works:
Admin policies may block Copilot by default on company-managed computers.
📌 How to do it:
• Contact your IT department
• Ask if Microsoft Copilot is allowed on your device
• Request access or policy changes if needed
10. 📁 Reset the Copilot App (Windows Only)
🧠 Why it works:
Resets can fix crashes caused by corrupted temporary files.
📌 How to do it:
• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
• Search for Copilot
• Click “Advanced Options” > “Reset”
🧪 Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
If none of the basic solutions worked, here are some advanced steps that can resolve persistent Microsoft Copilot not working issues:
1. 🛡️ Change DNS Settings
🧠 Why it works:
Custom DNS settings can improve connectivity to Microsoft services.
📌 How to do it:
• Open Network Settings > Adapter Properties
• Click IPv4 > Properties
• Set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Save and restart connection
2. 🔍 Use DevTools to Inspect Errors (Edge Only)
🧠 Why it works:
Developer tools show loading errors or blocked scripts from Copilot.
📌 How to do it:
• Press F12 while Copilot tab is open
• Click the “Console” tab
• Look for red error messages
• Share with support if needed
3. 🕒 Sync System Clock and Certificates
🧠 Why it works:
Incorrect time may block secure connections Copilot needs.
📌 How to do it:
• Go to Settings > Time & Language
• Enable “Set time automatically”
• Restart your system
4. 📊 Check Log Files for Errors
🧠 Why it works:
Log files contain detailed records of why Copilot failed.
📌 How to do it:
• Open Event Viewer (Windows search: “Event Viewer”)
• Go to Windows Logs > Application
• Look for errors at the time Copilot failed
💬 User Experiences
I use Copilot daily in Excel, and one day it just stopped working. After updating Microsoft 365, it was back up in minutes.
— Clara, Accountant
Copilot wouldn’t launch in my browser. I cleared cache and disabled extensions — it fixed everything. Simple steps helped a lot.
— Daniel, Software Tester
My company laptop blocked Copilot due to admin settings. IT helped me enable it, and now it works perfectly.
— Priya, HR Specialist
❓ FAQ – Copilot Not Working
🛠️ Why did Copilot disappear after a Windows update?
• Sometimes updates reset certain features. You may need to manually enable Copilot again in your system settings.
🔐 Do I need to be signed into Microsoft to use Copilot?
• Yes, a valid Microsoft account is required. Without it, Copilot features may not function properly.
🌐 Does Copilot work offline?
• No, Copilot needs an internet connection to access cloud-based tools and data.
🧱 Can my firewall block Copilot?
• Yes, strict firewall settings can prevent Copilot from connecting. Always check your security software.
🔄 How often should I update my Microsoft apps?
• Regular updates ensure compatibility with Copilot and help avoid common bugs.
🧩 Do browser extensions affect Copilot?
• Some extensions may block scripts or interfere with loading. Try disabling them temporarily.
🕒 Why does syncing the clock matter?
• A mismatched system clock can cause secure connections to fail, affecting Copilot’s access.
📁 Can I reinstall Copilot?
• In some versions, you can reset or repair the app through Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
🗣️ What Do You Think?
You are not alone if you’re facing issues with Microsoft Copilot not working. Many users go through the same problem and find helpful solutions. If something is unclear or a step did not help, feel free to leave a comment below. Someone from the community — or we — will gladly support you.
📚 Related Guides
• Copilot Not Opening
• Copilot Not Showing In Office
• Copilot Cannot Be Enabled
• Copilot License Error
📢 About the Author
At AIFixup, our team brings over 5 years of hands-on experience in conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing AI tools. Every piece of content you see on this platform is rooted in real-world expertise and a deep understanding of the AI landscape.
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