A Complete Guide to Enabling, Disabling, and Using Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

Learn how to enable, disable, and use Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode in Windows 11. This step-by-step guide includes clear instructions and screenshots to help you customize your browser experience.

🧠 What is Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge?

Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, seamlessly integrated into the browser’s sidebar. Powered by the same technology behind Bing Chat and ChatGPT, it helps users summarize content, answer complex questions, generate text, and interact with web pages more intelligently.

You’ll find it as a small sidebar on the right side of the browser — always ready to assist you with productivity tasks, content creation, and smart suggestions while you browse.

❓ Why You Might Want to Disable or Enable Copilot

Copilot can be a game-changer for some users and a distraction for others. Here’s why:

Reasons to Disable:

• Concerned about privacy or AI data collection

• Prefer a minimal browser layout

• Want to opt out of AI features

Reasons to Enable:

• You write content, research, or summarize pages often

• Use Microsoft’s ecosystem for productivity

• Prefer having a built-in AI tool vs third-party extensions

📢 What Microsoft Says About Copilot in Edge

Microsoft has rolled out Copilot in Edge as part of its larger AI initiative for Windows 11. For most users, the Copilot icon appears in the sidebar automatically. Microsoft notes:

• It’s currently available in select regions

• Enterprise users can control it via Group Policy or Registry

• Home users may not see a direct toggle unless they use workaround methods

Microsoft continues to update this feature, so your options may vary depending on your Edge version and Windows build (Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge).

For more detailed information, you can refer to Microsoft’s official Copilot documentation

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🔧 How to Disable Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge

🛠️ Method 1: Using Edge Settings (If available)

⚠️ This method works only if Microsoft has enabled a toggle in your version of Edge.

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge

2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner

3. Select Settings

4. Navigate to Sidebar > Copilot

5. Toggle Show Copilot to Off

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🛠️ Method 2: Disable Copilot via Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter

2. Go to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Microsoft Edge Sidebar

3. Double-click Allow Copilot (Preview)

4. Choose Disabled

5. Click Apply, then OK

6. Restart Edge

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🛠️ Method 3: Disable Copilot via Registry Editor (for Windows 11 Home users)

💡 Create a restore point before editing the registry.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter

2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

3. Right-click on the Edge folder → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

4. Name it: HubsSidebarEnabled

5. Set the value to 0

6. Restart your PC

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✅ How to Enable Copilot Mode Again – Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge

If you previously disabled Copilot and want to enable it again:

🔄 Re-enable from Edge Settings:

• Go to Settings > Sidebar > Copilot

• Toggle it back On

🔄 Re-enable via Group Policy:

• Set “Allow Copilot (Preview)” to Enabled or Not Configured

🔄 Re-enable via Registry:

• Set HubsSidebarEnabled to 1 or simply delete it

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💡 How to Use Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge

Once Copilot is enabled, here’s how to get the most out of it:

📍 Where to Find It:

• Look for the Copilot icon in the upper-right corner or sidebar

• Click it to open the chat panel

✨ Features You Can Use:

• Summarize webpages with a single click

• Generate content (emails, blog drafts, code snippets)

• Answer technical or general queries without leaving your tab

• Search the web in natural language

• Use context-aware chat based on the current page

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge

Q: Is Copilot available in all regions?

Not yet. Microsoft is gradually rolling it out based on location and build.

Q: Can I use Copilot without a Microsoft account?

Limited functionality may work, but full features often require sign-in.

Q: Will disabling Copilot affect other browser features?

No, Copilot is standalone. Disabling it won’t break Edge functionality.

Q: Is Copilot available in InPrivate Mode?

No, it’s disabled in InPrivate sessions by design.

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🧩 Final Thoughts

Copilot in Microsoft Edge brings the power of AI right to your browser — but it’s not for everyone. Whether you want to remove distractions or embrace smarter browsing, Microsoft gives you options to customize it to your preference.

By following the steps above, you can easily toggle Copilot on or off based on your needs, whether you’re a home user or managing multiple systems.