The latest Windows 11 updates (particularly builds KB5053598, KB5053606, and KB5053602) have unintentionally removed Microsoft's Copilot app from users' systems. After installing these updates, many users found Copilot unpinned from the taskbar and completely uninstalled from their devices. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, attributing it to an update glitch, and has since released an emergency fix. However, if you're still experiencing this problem, there are several straightforward methods to restore Copilot on your Windows 11 PC.

The simplest and most effective way to restore Copilot is to reinstall it directly from the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Microsoft Store, and launch the app.

Step 2: Within the Microsoft Store, type Microsoft Copilot in the search bar. Click on the Copilot app page and choose Install. After installation, open the app to confirm it's working correctly.

Step 3: To re-pin Copilot to your taskbar, click the Start button, find Copilot in the list of installed apps, right-click its icon, navigate to More, and select Pin to taskbar.

This method quickly restores Copilot and ensures it's readily accessible from your taskbar.

Method 2: Enable Copilot via Taskbar Settings

If Copilot is installed but not showing on the taskbar, you can enable it manually through Taskbar settings.

Step 1: Right-click on an empty area of your taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

Step 2: In the settings window, expand the Taskbar items section. Locate the toggle switch for Copilot and switch it to On.

This action will immediately display the Copilot icon on your taskbar, allowing quick access.

Method 3: Use Registry Editor to Re-enable Copilot

If the above methods don't work, you can manually enable Copilot through the Windows Registry. Before proceeding, it's crucial to back up your registry to avoid potential issues.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to the following registry path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Step 3: Right-click the Windows key, select New, then choose Key. Name this new key WindowsCopilot.

Step 4: Right-click the newly created WindowsCopilot key, choose New, and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this value TurnOffWindowsCopilot.

Step 5: Double-click the TurnOffWindowsCopilot entry and set its value to 0. Click OK, close the Registry Editor, and restart your computer to apply the changes.

After rebooting, Copilot should be restored and available for use.

Method 4: Roll Back the Problematic Windows Update

If none of the above methods resolve your issue, consider rolling back the recent Windows update that caused Copilot to disappear.

Step 1: Open Control Panel by typing it into the Start menu search bar and selecting it from the results.

Step 2: Click Programs and Features when the Control Panel opens.

Step 3: On the left sidebar, select View installed updates.

Step 4: Locate the problematic update (KB5053598, KB5053606, or KB5053602), right-click on it, and choose Uninstall.

Restart your system after uninstalling the update. Copilot should now reappear as normal.

Caution: Rolling back updates can leave your system vulnerable to security issues. Use this method only if other solutions fail, and ensure you regularly check for new updates that fix this issue.

Microsoft has already released an emergency update addressing this Copilot issue. If you prefer, simply wait for the automatic fix to take effect on your device. However, the above solutions allow you to restore Copilot immediately and continue using it without interruption.