Microsoft Copilot Not Opening – 8 Proven Fixes (2026)

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Microsoft Copilot not opening is a frustrating issue that prevents you from accessing Microsoft’s AI assistant. When Microsoft Copilot not opening occurs, the app either fails to launch, shows a blank screen, or closes immediately after opening. This guide covers every possible cause and provides clear steps to resolve Microsoft Copilot not opening quickly.

For more productivity troubleshooting guides, visit our Productivity Tools Troubleshooting Hub. You can also check our guide on Microsoft 365 activation errors for additional help.

For additional assistance, refer to Microsoft’s official Copilot support page and test your internet speed at Fast.com to check your connection quality.

Featured Snippet: To resolve Microsoft Copilot not opening, start by restarting your PC and checking for Windows updates. If that does not work, repair or reset the Copilot app in Settings > Apps > Installed apps. For persistent Microsoft Copilot not opening issues, try reinstalling the app or running the Copilot connectivity troubleshooter.

Why This Launch Problem Occurs

This is a common frustration that can stem from various sources. Understanding the root cause helps you apply the right fix. According to Microsoft support documentation, the issue is often due to “app runtime registration issues,” “corrupted app files,” or “license configuration problems”[reference:0].

Here are the most common reasons why Microsoft Copilot not opening happens:

  • Corrupted App Installation: The Copilot app files may be damaged or incomplete.
  • Outdated Windows or App Version: Using an old version can cause compatibility issues. Microsoft has confirmed that older Windows builds may prevent Copilot from launching[reference:1].
  • License or Account Issues: Your Microsoft account may not have a valid Copilot license assigned[reference:2].
  • Network Connectivity Problems: Copilot requires a stable internet connection to function[reference:3].
  • Missing or Outdated WebView2 Runtime: Copilot relies on Microsoft Edge WebView2 for rendering[reference:4].
  • Firewall or Proxy Interference: Network restrictions can block Copilot’s connections[reference:5].
  • Windows 10 Compatibility: Microsoft has retired Copilot on Windows 10; the app is designed primarily for Windows 11[reference:6].
  • Taskbar or Settings Conflicts: Copilot may be disabled in taskbar settings or group policies[reference:7].

💡 Quick Tip: Start by restarting your PC—this resolves Microsoft Copilot not opening for many users.

Method 1: Restart Your PC

A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches. This is the fastest way to fix Microsoft Copilot not opening. According to Microsoft support, restarting the PC while connected to a stable internet connection can resolve launch issues[reference:8].

  1. Click the Start button, then the Power icon.
  2. Select Restart (not Shut Down, as restart clears more system states[reference:9]).
  3. Wait for your PC to reboot completely.
  4. Try opening Copilot again.

✅ Expected Result: After restarting, Microsoft Copilot not opening resolves and the app launches successfully.

Method 2: Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows versions can cause compatibility issues that lead to Microsoft Copilot not opening. Microsoft recommends keeping your OS up to date[reference:10]. In some cases, outdated Windows builds can prevent Copilot sign-in from working[reference:11].

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update (or Update & Security on Windows 10).
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

✅ Expected Result: After updating Windows, Microsoft Copilot not opening resolves.

⚠️ Important Warning: Microsoft has retired Copilot on Windows 10. If you are using Windows 10, the app may not work. The best long-term fix is upgrading to Windows 11[reference:12]. However, you can still use Copilot via the web version (see Method 8).

Method 3: Repair or Reset the Copilot App

Corrupted app files are a common cause of Microsoft Copilot not opening. Repairing or resetting the app often resolves the issue. Microsoft support recommends this as a primary troubleshooting step[reference:13].

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on Windows 10).
  3. Search for Microsoft Copilot.
  4. Click the three dots (⋯) next to it and select Advanced options[reference:14].
  5. Under “Reset,” click Repair first. This will attempt to fix the app without removing your data[reference:15][reference:16].
  6. If the problem persists, click Reset (this will remove app data)[reference:17].
  7. Launch Copilot and test.

✅ Expected Result: After repairing or resetting, Microsoft Copilot not opening resolves.

⚠️ Note: If the app works immediately after repair but stops launching again once it is closed, this may indicate a runtime registration issue in your Windows user profile[reference:18]. In that case, proceed to Method 5 (Reinstall).

Method 4: Update Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime

Copilot relies on Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime to render its interface. If WebView2 is outdated or missing, you may experience Microsoft Copilot not opening or blank screens. Microsoft support notes that WebView2 errors can cause Copilot to fail[reference:19].

  1. Open Microsoft Edge (or any browser).
  2. Go to edge://settings/help to check for Edge updates.
  3. If you need to manually update or install WebView2, visit Microsoft’s official WebView2 download page.
  4. Install the latest version and restart your PC.

✅ Expected Result: After updating WebView2, Microsoft Copilot not opening resolves.

💡 What Happens Next: If you still experience issues, ensure that Edge, WebView2, and the Microsoft Store apps are all fully updated, then restart your device[reference:20].

Method 5: Reinstall Copilot from Microsoft Store

If the Microsoft Copilot not opening issue persists, a clean reinstall can fix corrupted app files. Microsoft support confirms that reinstalling from the store is an effective solution[reference:21][reference:22].

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Search for Microsoft Copilot.
  4. Click the three dots (⋯) and select Uninstall[reference:23].
  5. Confirm the uninstallation.
  6. Restart your PC.
  7. Open the Microsoft Store and search for Copilot.
  8. Click Install and wait for the installation to complete[reference:24].
  9. Launch Copilot and test.

✅ Expected Result: After reinstalling, Microsoft Copilot not opening resolves.

⚠️ Important Warning: If you are using Windows 10, reinstalling from the store may not work, as Microsoft has retired Copilot on Windows 10[reference:25]. Use the web version instead (Method 8).

Method 6: Run Copilot Connectivity Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix issues causing Microsoft Copilot not opening. This is a highly recommended step[reference:26].

  1. Open the Get Help app from the Start menu.
  2. In the search bar, type Copilot connectivity troubleshooter[reference:27].
  3. Select the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen steps[reference:28].
  4. Alternatively, search for Copilot License Troubleshooter to verify license configuration[reference:29].
  5. Apply any fixes suggested by the troubleshooter.
  6. Restart your PC and test Copilot.

✅ Expected Result: After running the troubleshooter, Microsoft Copilot not opening resolves.

Method 7: Refresh Copilot License

License issues can cause Microsoft Copilot not opening. Refreshing the license often resolves the problem. Microsoft support notes that Copilot may not work with device-based licensing and requires a user-based license[reference:30][reference:31].

  1. Open any Microsoft 365 app (e.g., Word, Excel, or Outlook).
  2. Go to File > Account.
  3. Select Update License[reference:32].
  4. Close all Microsoft 365 apps and reopen them for the license refresh to take effect[reference:33].
  5. Check if Microsoft Copilot not opening is resolved.

✅ Expected Result: After refreshing the license, Microsoft Copilot not opening resolves.

Method 8: Try the Web Version of Copilot

If the Microsoft Copilot not opening issue persists on your desktop, the web version provides a reliable alternative. This is especially useful for Windows 10 users[reference:34] or if the app is corrupted[reference:35].

  1. Open your browser (Microsoft Edge is recommended).
  2. Go to copilot.microsoft.com.
  3. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
  4. If the page does not load, check that cookies are allowed and pop-ups are enabled for the site[reference:36].
  5. Also verify that third-party cookies are enabled, as blocking them can prevent license validation[reference:37].

✅ Expected Result: Copilot works through the web browser, confirming the issue is with the desktop app.

⚠️ Additional Note: If you are experiencing WebSocket connection issues, try resetting your firewall by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing netsh advfirewall reset[reference:38].

Conclusion: Resolving This Launch Issue

When Microsoft Copilot not opening occurs, start by restarting your PC and checking for Windows updates. Most cases of Microsoft Copilot not opening resolve quickly by repairing or resetting the app. If Microsoft Copilot not opening persists, try reinstalling the app, running the connectivity troubleshooter, or refreshing your license. For persistent issues, use the web version of Copilot. The problem is often temporary and can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Microsoft Copilot not opening?

Microsoft Copilot not opening is typically caused by corrupted app files, outdated Windows or app versions, license issues, network problems, missing WebView2 Runtime, or firewall interference.

How do I fix Microsoft Copilot not opening on Windows 11?

To fix Microsoft Copilot not opening on Windows 11, restart your PC, check for Windows updates, repair or reset the Copilot app in Settings > Apps > Installed apps, or reinstall Copilot from the Microsoft Store.

Can I use Microsoft Copilot on Windows 10?

Microsoft has retired Copilot on Windows 10. The desktop app is primarily designed for Windows 11[reference:39]. However, you can still access Copilot through the web version at copilot.microsoft.com.

Does repairing the Copilot app delete my data?

No. The Repair option fixes the app without removing your data. If you select Reset, app data will be removed. Always try Repair first to fix Microsoft Copilot not opening[reference:40].

Can a firewall cause Microsoft Copilot not opening?

Yes. Firewalls can block the connections Copilot needs to function. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or resetting it with netsh advfirewall reset in Command Prompt (run as administrator)[reference:41].

What is Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime and why is it important?

WebView2 is a component that allows apps like Copilot to display web content. If it is outdated or missing, Copilot may not open or show a blank screen. Updating it can resolve Microsoft Copilot not opening[reference:42].

How do I reinstall Microsoft Copilot?

To reinstall Copilot, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, uninstall Copilot, restart your PC, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store. This often fixes Microsoft Copilot not opening[reference:43].

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