How to Refresh Copilot on Windows 11
Refreshing Copilot on Windows 11 starts a new conversation with the AI assistant, clearing its memory.
Copilot is your PC’s built-in AI helper in Windows 11. It can help you manage tasks and apps by just talking to it.
When you refresh Copilot, it forgets your last chat. This means your next question is like the first one ever, with no old messages affecting the answer.
You’d refresh Copilot if it seems confused, or if you want to talk about something totally new without mentioning old topics.
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?
Copilot can stop responding or show errors when the app gets stuck on a bad request. Refreshing Copilot clears the current chat session, which fixes minor glitches without a full computer restart. The chat history for that session clears, and the AI resets.
Basic Refresh Methods
Basic Refresh Methods
To perform a basic refresh:
- Open Copilot with Windows Key + C.
- Click the Refresh icon at the top.
- If the refresh icon is missing, click the three dots (More options) and select Refresh.
Troubleshooting Copilot Crashes
When Copilot’s cache files become corrupted, the AI integration can crash. This prevents the user interface (UI) from loading, often resulting in a blank side pane or immediate closure. Before checking the cache, it’s a good idea to ensure your Windows updates are current by visiting Windows Update settings, as this often addresses common issues.
Advanced Fixes: Task Manager and WebView2
If Copilot isn’t working correctly on Windows 11, try restarting its background process, known as WebView2, using Task Manager. This advanced fix restarts Copilot when it seems stuck or unresponsive, helping to restore functionality without requiring special permissions.
- 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
Your workplace IT administrator can control Copilot’s availability using company policies. This might result in Copilot being missing or turned off on your system. This control ensures company-wide compliance with security and usage guidelines for the AI assistant.
Summary
Refreshing Copilot offers a straightforward way to fix small glitches, whether using the built-in button or restarting its process through Task Manager.
Why does Copilot keep crashing on 🪟 Windows 11?
Copilot crashes often stem from outdated Microsoft Edge WebView2 components or corrupted temporary cache files. When the AI integration cannot 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. Because 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.
How do I refresh Microsoft Copilot?
If the app isn’t working properly, a different refresh method involves navigating through Windows settings:
- Click the Windows icon.
- Click on Settings.
- Select ‘Apps’.
- Click on ‘Installed apps’.
- In the search box, type ‘Copilot’.
How to purge Copilot from 🪟 Windows 11?
To disable Copilot via Group Policy Editor (requires Administrator privileges):
- Navigate the policy editor as follows: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot.
- Double-click the ‘Turn off Windows Copilot’ setting.
- In the new window that opens, select ‘Enabled’.
- Click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’. Copilot will now be disabled.
Why is Microsoft removing Copilot from 🪟 Windows 11?
Microsoft is removing Copilot from some Windows 11 apps, like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, to reduce unnecessary entry points and improve the overall Windows 11 experience.
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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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