Why does Microsoft’s Copilot app suddenly appear as an installed app in the Windows 11 system? Users fear that their data is now at risk. Microsoft appeases.
As if out of nowhere, Microsoft’s Copilot suddenly appears as an installed app on many Windows systems. (Source: Background: AI content generated by Netzwelt with the help of Leonardo AI; Microsoft; Image montage: Netzwelt)
The latest update to the Edge browser has worried many Windows 11 users. Suddenly the Copilot app suddenly appears as an installed app on the system, as a quick look at the settings shows. Windows 10 users are also affected. How does Microsoft’s new AI assistant get onto Windows systems without express consent? And what is he doing there anyway?
Not only Windows users are asking themselves this right now, but also Microsoft MVP Kenneth van Surksum. On X he asks why Copilot is suddenly installed on his Windows 2022 computer. He shows a corresponding screenshot.
Microsoft makes a statement about Copilot
The good news: You don’t need to be afraid that the copilot will collect internal data from you or about your system and pass it on to Microsoft servers. Microsoft has now made this clear in a current statement and explains that this is actually a mistake.
Updates to Edge browser version 123.0.2420.65 released on March 28, 2024 and later may incorrectly install a new package (MSIX) named ‘Microsoft Chat Provider for Copilot in Windows’ on Windows devices. As a result, the Microsoft Copilot app may appear in the Settings menu under Installed Apps.
Microsoft
Microsoft further assures that Copilot does not run any processes under Windows and does not collect, analyze or transmit any system data. The company wants to allay any data protection concerns.
Although Copilot appears as an installed app, it does not fully install on the system. It is only displayed as a representative of an installed component that, according to Microsoft, will be important for future use of Copliot.
So you could speak of a “display error” here. Nevertheless, the company is working on this “display error” and wants to eliminate it with an upcoming update to the Edge browser.
Microsoft has recently come under increasing criticism
Recently, Microsoft had to take a lot of criticism. Not only did the brazen Edge browser advertising meet with little approval among Windows users, Microsoft’s test balloon for start bar advertising wasn’t particularly well received either.
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