Copilot Mode in Edge: Microsoft’s bet in the AI browser race
Even at the current level of its development, artificial intelligence reshapes patterns and many spheres of our lives. Some industries, like that of programming, are not just reshaped but shaken to the very core, with companies firing real people and delegating their tasks to AI. This doesn’t feel right in many cases, but progress is unstoppable, and business will always seek to cut its costs, so it’s up to us to adapt and adjust.
On the bright side, artificial intelligence simplifies a lot of routines that previously required much attention and meticulous execution. We’ve published several posts giving you AI-powered services that help with assorted tasks, from shopping through home improvement to resume building and number crunching in Excel. This piece focuses on something related, but a bit different: Copilot Mode in Edge, a thus far experimental set of features that are designed to make the browser not a passive tool but an active assistant.
Who can switch on Copilot Mode in Edge?
As of this writing — late August 2025 — the mode can be turned on by any Edge user in the covered markets, which are the US, India, Japan, Brazil, the UK, Mexico, Germany, and Canada.
The supported platforms are Windows and Mac computers only, the mode is not available on mobile devices.
There are also age-related limitations: users under age 13 are not eligible, and those between 13 and 18 can switch Copilot Mode on under controlled settings.
How to switch on Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge?
First off, make sure your Edge is version 138 or higher. This can be checked in Settings → About Microsoft Edge.
To switch on Copilot Mode in Edge:
- Go to edge://settings/ai (or Settings → Copilot Mode or AI Innovations);
- Toggle the Copilot Mode switch to ON.
You can also enable Copilot Mode on the experimental feature flags page at edge://flags/#edge-copilot-mode.
Once done, restart the browser. You will see the Copilot interface on the blank page, and the new icon near the address bar that summons the AI flyout. Optionally, enable permissions to allow Copilot to access and summarize content from open tabs on the Copilot panel settings.
Copilot Mode in Edge: what it can do already and what features are coming up
Copilot Mode was launched in July 2025 as the first step on the path of transforming Edge into an AI-native browser that acts as an active collaborator, not just a passive tool. From the outset, it included the following features:
- Multi-tab retrieval-augmented generation (RAG): Copilot can scoop up information from all open tabs and synthesize a report. Useful for tasks such as comparing products, summarizing research, or analyzing travel options.
- Natural voice navigation: hands-free browsing with spoken commands (go to a resource, find something on the page, compare info on several tabs, etc.).
- Copilot Zone: the AI interface above the address bar that gives access to chat, summary, and action capabilities.
- Persistent dynamic side pane: Copilot is there, but it does not hinder the browsing experience.
Some of the planned features:
- Agentic AI actions designed to automate tasks and errands (booking tickets or tables, stocking up on stuff, planning trips, etc.) while taking the context into account.
- Topic-based browsing journeys that take past and current browsing sessions and merge them into actionable, focused projects with suggestions on next steps.
- Various enhancements aimed at improving AI collaboration pathways and boosting protection of the user’s privacy and security.
Currently, the market share of Edge is just under 5%, and Microsoft obviously plans to use AI to up its game in this field. The competition will definitely be fierce: there’s Comet from Perplexity, ChatGPT Agent, and Opera’s Aria AI, plus the ever-expanding integration of Gemini in Google Chrome. For us, the common folk, this is a good thing. Stay tuned!
