You open your browser to start your day and there it is; Copilot pops up without you asking.
That’s what Microsoft is currently testing in Edge, their built-in browser for Windows. While this change is only visible in a test version for now, it offers a glimpse into how Microsoft sees AI becoming a daily part of how we work.
If your business already uses Microsoft 365, this might be a welcome addition. But not everyone’s excited about it, and depending on how your team works, it could be either a helpful shortcut or an unwanted distraction.
Here’s what’s going on, what it means, and how to decide if it’s a fit for your company.
What’s Happening with Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft is experimenting with a feature that makes their AI assistant Copilot open automatically when Edge launches. This change hasn’t hit everyone yet. It’s currently limited to a testing version of Edge called Canary, which updates daily with experimental features before they’re released to the general public.
In this test, the Copilot sidebar opens by default each time the browser is launched. You don’t need to click anything, it’s just there, ready to help.
What’s the Point of Auto-Launching Copilot?
Microsoft’s goal is to make Copilot feel like a built-in part of your workday. By opening automatically, it becomes harder to forget it’s available and easier to use on the fly. For small and mid-sized businesses trying to get more done with less, that could be a good thing.
Here are a few ways it could help your team:
- Faster research: Copilot can summarize articles, extract insights, and even compare product info directly in your browser.
- Drafting help: Whether it’s replying to a client, starting a blog post, or outlining internal documentation, Copilot can get you started.
- Data assistance: You can ask questions about trends, pricing, or market topics without jumping between tools.
In short, it’s Microsoft trying to reduce friction by keeping Copilot front and center so you can stay focused on the task at hand.
But Not Everyone Likes the Idea
Auto-launching anything can be hit or miss.
Some users find it disruptive. Especially if they’re just trying to check a web portal or pull up a site quickly. Having Copilot jump in right away might feel like someone interrupting before you’ve even had your coffee (and we all know THAT isn’t a good thing).
There’s also concern about settings. In early tests, some users reported not being able to turn the feature off easily. And for business owners who value control over their tools and workflows, that’s not ideal.
While Copilot can be useful, forcing it on without options could turn a helpful tool into an annoyance.
Should You Be Concerned?
Not yet. This is still in the testing phase and only visible to users on Edge Canary. If you’re not using that version, you won’t see anything new yet.
But here’s the bigger picture: Microsoft is fully invested in AI and it’s not slowing down. Copilot is already built into Microsoft 365, Windows 11, Teams, and yes… Edge. Copilot in Edge is already there, you just have to go click it manually to open it up.
As a business owner, it’s worth keeping an eye on these developments so you’re not caught off guard.
Here’s what you can do:
- Review your company’s browser setup and update policies.
- Get familiar with what Copilot can (and can’t) do.
- Decide if this type of feature fits into how your team works—or if it’s something you’ll want to manage or disable.
Final Thought
Microsoft is testing a small change with big implications. Auto-launching Copilot in Edge may seem minor, but it’s part of a much larger shift toward AI becoming a regular presence in your daily business tools.
Will having an always-ready AI assistant improve productivity or just get in the way? The answer depends on how your business uses it. Either way, it’s worth being ready for what’s coming.