Microsoft Edge Adopts Copilot-First User Interface on Windows 11 Amid Rising Popularity of Perplexity Comet

Microsoft is making significant strides in enhancing the browser experience by introducing a new ‘Copilot-first’ mode in Microsoft Edge, specifically for Windows 11 and the supported versions of Windows 10. This fresh approach replaces the conventional New Tab Page, which previously showcased frequently visited websites and MSN content, when enabled.

This shift towards a Copilot-centric design is reportedly part of a broader vision led by Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI. The objective is to evolve Microsoft Edge into an AI-first browsing platform akin to Perplexity, though the journey toward achieving a fully ‘agentic’ browsing experience remains ongoing.

Introducing Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge

Following a server-side update, the Copilot mode has become the default setting in Microsoft Edge for select users. While this feature is not universally available yet, its implementation has begun in stages, hinting that only a limited number of users may currently experience the Copilot interface.

Upon launching Edge, users are greeted by a prominent Copilot search bar accompanied by a welcoming message: “Ready when you are.” The interface includes a dedicated “Search & Chat” menu, an option called “Ask Copilot” for direct access to the assistant, and a link to “Think Deeper” at copilot.microsoft.com.

An additional feature, labeled ‘Actions, ’ piques interest as it potentially signifies a more integrated role for Edge in task automation. Currently, selecting ‘Actions’ directs users to the Copilot website, where they can engage with web searches through a browser-based interface powered by the same technology behind ChatGPT’s Operator.

This “Action” functionality aims to facilitate various small tasks such as ticket booking and travel planning, even assisting users with automatic logins to websites.

Furthermore, quick access options like “Write, ” “Create an image, ” and “Make a plan” are integrated into the interface, directing users to the relevant Copilot features.

Will the Copilot UI Incorporate MSN Feed?

Currently, the Copilot UI in Edge stable does not seem to feature MSN content. However, insiders have indicated that Microsoft is exploring a Copilot variant of MSN named ‘Copilot Discover, ’ which would ultimately replace the existing MSN feed on the New Tab Page. In preview builds, Copilot-enhanced MSN is already being tested.

Enhanced ‘Find on Page’ Functionality with Copilot

Another notable change in Edge is the revamped Ctrl+F function, now augmented by Copilot. Users can directly query Copilot to search for specific terms on a webpage.

While the traditional Ctrl+F remains unchanged, a new ‘Copilot’ option appears below the find box, prompting, “What does this page say about [searched term]?” This contextual assistance can enrich the browsing experience. However, it may falter when dealing with lengthy content, particularly if users are accessing complex source code; in these cases, the traditional find feature is still needed.

Unlike competitors like Gemini 2.5 Pro, Copilot’s context handling is limited, with a relatively small context window of under 200, 000 characters.

This shift marks the initial phase of what can be termed the ‘Copilotification of Edge.’ Future developments may herald a move towards a more dynamic ‘agentic’ Edge experience, potentially allowing Copilot and Microsoft’s proprietary language models to tackle more complex tasks beyond simple content summaries.

As competitors like Perplexity enhance their browsing capabilities with agent models, Microsoft Edge’s evolution may soon follow suit, promising exciting changes for users on Windows 11.

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