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How to Enable or Disable Keep Copilot app Running on Close in Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Mar 29, 2026 Updated Jun 19, 2026 2 min read
How to Enable or Disable Keep Copilot app Running on Close in Windows 11
How to Enable or Disable Keep Copilot app Running on Close in Windows 11

This tutorial guides you on how to control whether the Copilot app keeps running in the background after you close it on Windows 11.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open the Copilot app and go to Account > Settings > Preferences. Toggle the “On close, keep the app running” option to enable or disable this background function. This change takes effect immediately.

What is Microsoft Copilot?

What is Microsoft Copilot? Think of Microsoft Copilot as your AI assistant, designed to help with a wide range of tasks on your computer.

Why Would You Want to Change This Setting?

Keeping the Copilot app running after closing the main window in Windows 11 makes Copilot instantly available. This setting determines if the Copilot icon remains in your taskbar's system tray, reducing startup time for quicker access.

When turned on: The Copilot app keeps running in the background. The Copilot icon stays in your taskbar system tray. You can click it to reopen or quit Copilot anytime.

⚠️Warning
When turned off: The Copilot app fully closes. It stops running completely.

How to Enable or Disable Keep Copilot Running on Close

  1. Open the Copilot app on your computer.
  2. Click the Account button on the left sidebar. Then click Settings.
  3. Click Preferences on the left side. Turn on or off the option that says “On close, keep the app running” based on what you want.
Copilot app settings button in Windows 11
Microsoft Copilot settings menu showing the profile icon.
Toggle option for keeping Copilot running on close
Toggle option for keeping Copilot running on close

To change the setting for keeping Copilot running on close in Windows 11, first open the Copilot app. Then, click the Account button on the left sidebar, select Settings, and choose Preferences on the left. Finally, toggle the ‘On close, keep the app running’ option to your preference.

Summary

📝Good to Know
Windows 11 users can control background activity for the Copilot app. To manage the "On close, keep the app running" setting, users open Copilot, navigate to Account settings, then Preferences. Toggling this option determines if Copilot remains active or shuts down completely after the application is closed.

Why is Microsoft removing Copilot from 🪟 Windows 11?

The Copilot button in the Snipping Tool app also no longer appears when you select an area to capture. This change is part of Microsoft’s plan to reduce unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, to fix Windows 11.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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