It’s no secret that Microsoft has been heavily investing in artificial intelligence, aiming to weave it into nearly every product and service they offer. One area where this focus is becoming increasingly visible is the Edge browser, where Copilot is slowly gaining deeper integration to enhance user searches and overall experience.
Recently, however, signs of even tighter integration have surfaced. Microsoft has begun testing new features that bring Copilot directly into the browser’s new tab page—a move that could reshape how users interact with both AI and the web.
Microsoft Adds AI Copilot to Edge Browser New Tab for Better Search
As we’ve seen, Microsoft is steadily strengthening the connection between Edge and its AI assistant, Copilot. One of the more noticeable updates includes a dedicated button that lets users interact with web content, whether to summarize articles, extract key points, or provide extra insights, all powered by AI.
But Microsoft isn’t stopping there. In the latest development, they’ve introduced a new “Copilot mode” in Edge. This feature replaces the traditional Bing icon in the search bar on the New Tab page with the Copilot logo, signaling a more direct role for the assistant right from the start.
When users engage with this feature, they’re taken straight to the Copilot interface, allowing their queries to be handled as natural conversations. The result? Smoother interactions and more relevant answers, all without needing to jump between tabs or services.
How to activate the ‘Copilot Mode’ in Edge?
At the moment, Copilot Mode in Edge isn’t turned on by default for everyone, but you can activate it yourself if you’re running Edge version 136 or later. The process is simple, but requires accessing the browser’s experimental features.
- First, go to
edge://flagsin your browser’s address bar. This takes you to the hidden settings page where experimental features live. Use the search bar at the top and type “Copilot.” - Look for “Copilot Mode” and any other related options. Enable them all, then restart Edge for the changes to take effect.
After restarting, head into the Edge Settings menu. Find the Copilot section to finish enabling the new features. Here you’ll see two key options:
- New Tab Page Inspired by Copilot: Turning this on lets Copilot take over your new tabs. Instead of the standard layout, you’ll see a smart search bar designed for direct AI interaction.
- Context Awareness: This feature allows Copilot to give better, more relevant answers by referencing the webpage you’re on, along with your browsing habits.
Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge Is Redefining How We Search Online
As expected, Microsoft is steadily weaving Copilot, its AI assistant, into more of its tools and services. In the case of Edge, the goal is clear: to make web searches smarter, faster, and more tailored to each user.
Once Copilot Mode is turned on, the look and feel of Edge’s new tab page gets a noticeable upgrade. The assistant takes center stage, offering enhanced search features and more intuitive suggestions.
Thanks to deeper AI integration, search results become more personalized. Copilot can factor in context—like what you’re currently browsing or past activity—to generate more relevant responses.
One new setting that stands out is “context tracks.” While this feature can raise eyebrows over privacy, it exists to provide a fuller understanding of your browsing behavior, helping Copilot deliver more useful and accurate answers. The good news? It’s disabled by default, and users can easily choose to keep it that way.
Putting privacy concerns aside, Copilot Mode is shaping up to be a smart and practical addition to Edge. It streamlines the search experience and hints at a future where browsing the web feels more conversational, contextual, and efficient.
