Oops! Microsoft’s latest Windows update removes Copilot from PCs

Oops! Microsoft’s latest Windows update removes Copilot from PCs

  • 17.03.2025 12:25
  • pcworld.com
  • Keywords: Windows Update Bug, COPilot Uninstalled, BSOD Errors

A recent Windows update mistakenly removed the Copilot AI assistant from some PCs. Microsoft is aware of the issue and working on a fix; users can manually reinstall Copilot until the problem is resolved.

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Estimated market influence

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Microsoft

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Analyst rating: Strong buy

Windows update bug caused Copilot to be uninstalled from some devices and pinned from the taskbar. Microsoft is working on a solution.

Windows Latest

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Analyst rating: N/A

Reported issues with Windows 11 updates, including BSOD errors and SSD crashes.

Context

Analysis of Microsoft’s Windows Update Issue with Copilot Removal

Overview

  • Issue: A faulty Windows update (March 2025) removed the Copilot AI assistant from PCs running Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, and Windows 10 22H2.
  • Impact: The update caused Copilot to be uninstalled or unpinned from the taskbar on affected devices.

Affected Versions

  • Windows 11 24H2
  • Windows 11 23H2
  • Windows 10 22H2

User Impact

  • Copilot Removal: Users experienced unintended uninstallation of Copilot or its removal from the taskbar.
  • Workaround: Users can manually reinstall Copilot and repin it to the taskbar until Microsoft provides a fix.

Related Update Issues

  • BSOD Errors: Users reported Blue Screen of Death errors.
  • SSD Crashes: Solid-state drives experienced unexpected failures.
  • RDP Problems: Remote Desktop Protocol issues worsened in this update, following earlier reports from October 2024.

Timeline

  • Date of Update: March 17, 2025.
  • Microsoft Response: Confirmed the bug and is working on a solution.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Reputation Risk: The issue may harm Microsoft’s credibility as a reliable software provider.
  • User Trust: Frequent update problems could lead to user dissatisfaction and potential migration to competing platforms (e.g., macOS or Linux).
  • Market Share Concerns: If users lose trust in Windows updates, they might consider alternatives for future OS upgrades.

Strategic Considerations

  • Fix Rollout: Microsoft must prioritize a quick resolution to minimize long-term damage.
  • Quality Assurance: The incident highlights the need for improved testing processes to prevent such issues in future updates.

Long-Term Effects

  • Potential Market Impact: Repeated update failures could slow Windows adoption and sales of Windows-based devices.
  • Erosion of Innovation Perceived: Copilot was a key feature showcasing Microsoft’s AI integration; its removal may delay user adoption of similar features.

Regulatory Implications

  • No Immediate Scrutiny: While the issue is significant, it does not yet trigger regulatory action unless it becomes systemic or widespread.
  • Potential Future Scrutiny: If such issues persist, they could attract attention from tech regulators focusing on software quality and consumer protection.

This incident underscores the importance of robust update processes and highlights the risks of rolling out complex software updates with critical features like Copilot.