Microsoft is rolling out a new version of Copilot on Windows 11, replacing the previous native app with a web-based implementation that includes a full instance of Microsoft Edge. It also uses more RAM than before
The update marks another change in how Copilot is delivered on Windows, following earlier versions that included a sidebar integration, a progressive web app, a WebView version, and a native WinUI-based app.
Users can access the updated Copilot through the Microsoft Store by searching for “Microsoft Copilot.” Even on systems where Copilot is already installed, the Store displays a new listing with a download option.
The download completes almost instantly because it installs a separate Copilot installer rather than the full application. This process is similar to how Microsoft Edge is installed. The Store also indicates that additional steps will occur outside its interface.
Once installed, the previous native Copilot app is automatically removed and replaced by the new version.
The updated Copilot presents an interface identical to its web version. It operates as a hybrid web application, delivering a smoother experience that resembles a native app.
The application uses WebView2 to render its interface, while also incorporating a dedicated Edge-based runtime.
Testing shows that the new Copilot app consumes more system resources than the earlier native version. Background usage can reach around 500MB of RAM, increasing to approximately 1GB during active use.
By comparison, the previous native Copilot app typically used less than 100MB of RAM.
The new Copilot package includes a full installation of Microsoft Edge, rather than relying on the system’s existing browser integration.
The installation folder contains a complete set of Edge components, including executables and libraries such as msedge.exe, msedge.dll, and other Chromium-related files. The Edge folder alone occupies around 850MB of storage, with core files confirming the presence of a full browser engine.
Additional components include browser subsystems, extensions, DRM modules, and support files typically associated with a standalone browser environment.
The app also includes WebView2 runtime elements alongside the embedded Edge instance, indicating a hybrid structure that combines web rendering with a dedicated browser engine.
The updated Copilot operates as a hybrid application, using a custom launcher and a web-based interface powered by WebView2, while maintaining a bundled Edge environment for execution.
This approach contributes to improved responsiveness compared to standard web apps or progressive web apps. However, it also increases system resource usage.
