How to Refresh Copilot on Windows 11
You refresh Copilot on Windows 11 to reset its current conversation and memory, giving you a clean slate with the AI assistant.
Copilot, integrated into Windows 11 starting with builds like 23493, helps you manage your PC and applications using natural language.
Refreshing the session clears away previous interactions. This ensures your next prompt is treated as a brand new request, free from any lingering context.
This is super useful if Copilot isn’t quite getting what you mean, or if you simply want to start a fresh topic without carrying over old chat history.
Open Copilot using Windows Key + C. Click the refresh icon located at the top of the Copilot window. If the refresh icon is not visible, click the three dots for more options and select “Refresh.
Why Refresh Copilot?
Sometimes Copilot stops responding or shows errors. Refreshing clears the current session. This can fix minor glitches without needing a full computer restart. Why? Because the app might get stuck on a bad request. What happens? The chat history for that session clears and the AI resets.
Basic Refresh Methods
Open Copilot with Windows Key + C. Click the Refresh icon at the top. If missing, click the three dots (More options) and select Refresh.
Troubleshooting Copilot Crashes
If Copilot crashes, it might be because of a bad cache. Corrupted data can prevent the user interface (UI) from loading. The side pane stays blank or closes immediately. Check for Windows updates first to ensure your AI integration is current.
Advanced Fixes: Task Manager and WebView2
Copilot uses Microsoft Edge WebView2 (a component that lets apps show web content). If it fails, you’ll need to force restart that process.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Microsoft Copilot or WebView2 in the list.
- Right-click the process and select End task.
- Reopen Copilot.
Note: This step does not require admin privileges.
Enterprise and Policy Management
In some work environments, your IT administrator might manage Copilot using tools like Microsoft Entra ID or Group Policy. If the button is missing, your IT admin may have disabled it. You can check the registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows\Copilot. Warning: Modifying the registry requires admin privileges and can cause system instability if done incorrectly.
Summary
Refreshing Copilot is a great way to fix minor bugs. You can use the built-in refresh button or force restart the process via Task Manager if the app is unresponsive. Always check for Windows updates if problems persist. Did this solve your problem? Please provide feedback to help us improve this guide.
Why does Copilot keep crashing on 🪟 Windows 11?
Copilot crashes often result from outdated Microsoft Edge WebView2 components or corrupted temporary cache files. When the AI integration fails to communicate with the server, the process terminates. Ensure your Windows 11 build is updated and clear your browser cache to resolve these stability issues effectively.
Does clearing my browser cache affect Copilot?
Yes, clearing your browser cache can resolve issues with the Copilot side pane. Since Copilot uses the same underlying engine as Microsoft Edge, cached data can sometimes conflict with new updates. Clearing this data forces the application to fetch fresh information, which often fixes unresponsive UI elements.
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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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