Microsoft Windows 11 March 2025 Update Contains Bug That Deletes Copilot App and Unpins It from Taskbar

The Trouble with Windows 11 Copilot and the March 2025 Update

Recently, the KB5053598 update for Windows 11 has been causing significant issues, particularly related to the much-anticipated feature, Copilot. This update has been problematic, with reports emerging that it inadvertently uninstalls the AI assistant, thus hindering Microsoft’s goal to integrate it into every PC. Users with Windows 11 version 23H2 who installed the March 2025 security update, KB5053602, have also experienced Copilot disappearing from their systems. The situation is further complicated for Windows 10 users who have installed KB5053606.

As noted by Windows Latest, Microsoft quietly amended its support documentation to acknowledge these unforeseen issues affecting the Copilot app. If you’ve found Copilot missing, you’ll likely notice that it has also been unpinned from your taskbar.

“We’re aware of an issue with the Microsoft Copilot app affecting some devices. The app is unintentionally uninstalled and unpinned from the taskbar.” – Microsoft Support

Affected Versions of Windows

While the Copilot uninstall issue may not be widespread, it is present on certain versions of Windows. Here’s a comprehensive list of those affected:

Windows 11 24H2
Windows 11 23H2
Windows 11 22H2
Windows 10 22H2
Windows 10 21H2

If you find yourself affected by this bug, you can still download Copilot from the Microsoft Store and re-pin it to your taskbar. However, it’s crucial to remember that this fix requires manual intervention, which is less than ideal given that Copilot was initially installed automatically.

Moreover, the company has yet to address the issue on its Windows issues dashboard, leaving many users in the lurch regarding updates or fixes.

Potential Solutions to Reinstall Copilot

As an interim measure, you can easily reinstall Copilot directly from the Microsoft Store. Here’s a quick rundown of how you can do this:

Open the Microsoft Store from your taskbar or start menu.
Search for Microsoft Copilot.
Click Install to download it again.
Once installed, right-click the app and select Pin to Taskbar.

This manual workaround allows users to regain access to the feature until Microsoft resolves the underlying issue.

Other Issues with the March 2025 Update

While the Copilot bug is garnering attention, the March 2025 update has introduced additional, significant problems that warrant notice:

Users reported that the update has caused Blue Screen of Death errors.
Some systems are experiencing SSD crashes.
A bug with the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection has also been highlighted.

It remains uncertain whether Microsoft is proactively investigating these severe issues. However, the company has shown acknowledgment of the Copilot uninstall bug, indicating that they are somewhat aware of the broader concerns affecting overall system stability.

Stay tuned for potential cumulative updates from Microsoft that may address these persistent issues, possibly restoring the Copilot app that has been “unintentionally” removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Copilot disappearing after the March 2025 update?

The March 2025 update (KB5053598) has a bug that unintentionally uninstalls the Copilot app from certain Windows versions, leaving users to reinstall it manually from the Microsoft Store.

2. Which versions of Windows are affected by the Copilot uninstall bug?

The affected versions include Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, and Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2.

3. What can I do if I experience Blue Screen of Death after the March update?

If you’re encountering a Blue Screen of Death error following the March update, it’s best to check for any recent updates from Microsoft, as well as consider rolling back the update if your system allows it.

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