Microsoft Halts Unauthorized Installation of Copilot on PCs, Releases Patch for Edge Browser to Address User Complaints

Microsoft has rolled out a critical update for its Edge browser, addressing the previously unconsented installation of its Copilot software on Windows 11 PCs. The issue, which drew considerable user backlash, involved Copilot being automatically added to certain computers without the owners' permission.

Until recently, this AI assistant was being "deployed" to some machines stealthily, sparking concerns among its unwitting new hosts. Over the past month, a number of Windows 11 users reported that Microsoft had autonomously installed the Copilot program on their PCs. This unexpected addition led some to suspect the software of spying activities. Microsoft has firmly denied these allegations but responded by releasing a software patch to resolve the issue.

The new update effectively removes the Microsoft chat provider for Copilot in Windows from the affected devices, ensuring that Copilot no longer appears in the list of installed programs. Microsoft has assured that a subsequent update will entirely eliminate this unwanted component.

Representatives from Microsoft clarified that the Copilot program did not operate in the background nor did it gather any data from users. The installed package was solely intended to prepare certain Windows 11 PCs for future support of the AI assistant, ensuring a smoother integration once fully launched.