Is Windows 11 Copilot Really Native? Users Find It Runs on Microsoft Edge

New York: Microsoft has begun rolling out an updated version of Copilot for Windows 11. But early observations from users suggest the experience may not be as “native” as expected. Instead of functioning as a fully independent AI-powered assistant, the new Copilot appears to rely heavily on Microsoft Edge. This raises questions about how it has been built and delivered.

Users who explored the application more closely discovered that launching Copilot essentially triggers Microsoft Edge in the background. This indicates the app is not entirely standalone. It is rather a web-based interface packaged to resemble a native Windows application.

For many, this realization has shifted the perception of Copilot. It has moved from a deeply integrated system feature to something closer to a browser-dependent tool. At the same time, Microsoft is expanding Copilot beyond basic interfaces into more advanced systems like agent-based AI tools designed to coordinate tasks across applications and workflows.

The installation process has also drawn attention. Even on systems where Copilot is already present, the Microsoft Store displays a fresh listing for “Microsoft Copilot” with a download option. The download completes almost instantly. It is not a full application package, but a lightweight installer, similar to how Microsoft Edge itself is distributed.

During installation, users are prompted to complete the process in a separate window. This signals that the Store is no longer directly handling the deployment.

Once the new version is installed, the previous Copilot app which is built using Microsoft’s WinUI framework is automatically removed and replaced. This transition further reinforces the idea that Microsoft is shifting away from its earlier native implementation. The move is toward a more web-driven approach, at least for this version of Copilot.

This development comes at an interesting time. Microsoft has recently emphasised its commitment to building fully native applications for Windows 11.

For everyday users, the implications are relatively straightforward. The new Copilot behaves more like a web app wrapped in a desktop interface. A hidden instance of Microsoft Edge powers its functionality. This approach may offer faster updates and flexibility. But it also raises concerns about performance, memory usage, and the overall user experience.

The concerns come as Microsoft has already clarified in some cases that Copilot outputs should be treated cautiously, even describing the tool as intended primarily for entertainment in certain use scenarios.