Microsoft is continuing its strong push into artificial intelligence, and its latest move suggests that Copilot could soon become an always-on assistant within Microsoft Edge.
Currently, users must manually open Copilot by clicking its icon in the Edge sidebar – a minor extra step. But Microsoft is now testing a feature that would launch Copilot automatically whenever you open the browser or start a new tab.
Copilot on Autopilot: What’s Changing?
This potential update would place Copilot front and centre the moment you use Edge. It would be ready and waiting, without requiring any clicks to activate it. While some users may welcome the convenience of an AI assistant that’s always on hand, others might find the feature intrusive – especially if they prefer a cleaner, distraction-free browser experience.
New “Ask Copilot” Feature in Edge Settings
Alongside the auto-launch update, Microsoft is trialling an “Ask Copilot” button within the Edge Settings menu. The idea is simple: if you’re unsure how to adjust a setting or can’t find a particular feature, you can just ask Copilot instead of hunting through menus or searching online.
For business users in particular, this could be a real time-saver – especially when dealing with technical configuration or troubleshooting.
Why This Matters: Benefits for Business Users
If your organisation uses Microsoft Edge, here’s how these upcoming Copilot features could make a difference:
- Faster Troubleshooting: Need to fix something in Edge? Instead of Googling solutions or contacting IT support, Copilot could provide instant help directly within the browser.
- AI Ready When You Are: Whether you’re summarising an article, drafting an email, or generating content, Copilot will be open and accessible without needing to launch it separately.
- Enhanced Online Security: Microsoft is also piloting a new feature called “Scareware Blocker”- an AI-powered tool designed to detect and block fraudulent or scam websites in real time. This could be a game-changer for keeping your team safe online.
When Will These Features Be Released?
As with many Microsoft innovations, these features are currently being tested in Edge Canary, Microsoft’s experimental version of the browser. That means there’s no guarantee they’ll make it to the mainstream version of Edge – but given Microsoft’s ongoing focus on AI, there’s a strong chance these tools will roll out widely in the near future.
What About Privacy?
Naturally, privacy concerns will come into play – especially with an always-on assistant. Microsoft has yet to confirm how auto-launching Copilot will handle data or what control users will have over it. Ideally, users will be given clear options to disable or limit the feature if they choose.
Is Copilot Right for You?
Ready to Get Started with Copilot?
Whether you’re curious about integrating AI into your workflow or need guidance using Copilot in Microsoft Edge, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with our team today to explore how Copilot can streamline your daily tasks and improve productivity.
