Microsoft Edge ditching Copilot Mode means more AI in your browser, not less

Copilot Mode on Microsoft Edge — Microsoft has retired Copilot Mode for the Edge browser, choosing instead to integrate AI features directly into Edge. (Image credit: Future)

Microsoft Edge no longer has a Copilot Mode, but its still full of AI features that integrate with your browsing experience. Microsoft just announced changes to the desktop and mobile versions of its browser that place Copilot at your fingertips without having to swap to a dedicated mode.

Copilot Mode is being retired, but its key features are being built directly into Edge. Microsoft announced the changes in blog post.

Microsoft Edge mobile's major update

Microsoft Edge icon on an iPhone — Microsoft Edge on iOS and Android now supports built-in Copilot features and an updated new tab page. (Image credit: Future)

The mobile version of Microsoft Edge has been brought closer to parity with its desktop counterpart, at least on the Copilot side of things. You can now grant Copilot permission to reason across your open tabs when answering questions and gathering information.

Journeys has also made its to the mobile version of Edge. That feature organizes your browsing history by topic and lists suggested steps to take, the idea being that it can help you plan and make decisions.

The biggest addition to the mobile version of Edge is the addition of Vision and Voice support. You can now interact with Copilot and the web through voice while the AI assistant watches your screen.

The new tab page from the desktop version of Edge has also been shipped to the mobile version of the browser.

Is Microsoft Edge getting better?

Microsoft Edge is a good browser that I use frequently, but its "progress" over the years has made me look elsewhere. Standout features like the Sidebar have been displaced by Copilot, and the browser feels more bloated than ever.

When Microsoft announced the retirement of apps in the Sidebar, the company said the move was done to simplify Edge. But that simplification process has left Copilot largely untouched.

Even the end of Copilot mode does not mark the end of Copilot features in Edge. If anything, this week's changes place Copilot more in the face of users.

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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.