3 Fixes for Copilot Not Showing Up or Missing in Windows

ByJim Miller

Microsoft Copilot, initially launched as Windows Copilot, was rebranded in September 2023. Make sure you have updated to the latest version of Windows before proceeding. If Copilot is still missing or not showing up on your Taskbar, here are three possible fixes.

Prerequisites

Before you can open and use Copilot, your Windows computer needs to meet certain requirements:

  • Update to the latest version of Windows 11.
  • Have the Edge browser installed and updated to the latest version.
  • Log in to a Microsoft account.
  • Note that Copilot is only available in select regions.
  • Ensure your Windows PC has a microphone.
  • Check if Copilot is enabled by default and if you can see its icon in the Taskbar.

Fix 1: Try Full Shutdown

Some users have reported fixing the missing Copilot error by performing a forced full shutdown of their Windows computer. Here's how you can try it:

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) from the context menu.
  2. Copy the command shutdown /s /t 0 and paste it into the Terminal.
  3. Wait for a few seconds and then reboot your computer. Check if Copilot is now visible in the Taskbar.

Fix 2: Check for Latest Update Package

Sometimes, certain update packages can cause Copilot to go missing. Here's what you can do:

  1. Search for the latest update package for your Windows version.
  2. Review the highlights and improvements section to see if the current update package is causing the issue.
  3. Depending on your situation, you can either update to the next version or downgrade to a previous version.

Fix 3: Try ViVeTool

ViVeTool is an open-source app available on GitHub that allows you to force install Copilot. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to the ViVeTool download page on GitHub and choose the appropriate zip file for your system.
  2. Extract the files into a folder.
  3. Follow the instructions in the provided guide or video.
  4. Reboot your computer.

Hopefully, after trying these fixes, Microsoft Copilot is no longer missing. Pressing the Windows key+C keyboard shortcut should show Copilot on the right side of your screen. If Copilot is still not showing up, you can use the same feature on your Edge browser or utilize the ChatGPT-powered chatbot in Bing search within Edge.

Microsoft is integrating Copilot into various products, providing you with multiple ways to access and use it.