In 2025, browsing the web will be very different thanks to AI.
Microsoft announced Copilot Mode. Microsoft has made a significant investment in OpenAI but their implementations to date have been modest. Copilot Mode, however, is the biggest AI push so far.
Edge has had Copilot integrated for a while but it felt like a bolt-on, with a flyout to the right which was no more helpful than visiting the site directly.
With CoPilot mode, the AI can now see the content of the page you’re currently on (with your permission) and perform browser functions such as launching new tabs through voice or text commands from you.
The experimental features are available today, and others will be coming soon. They’re designed to improve your online experience. Copilot Mode is a set of features that will change the way you browse the web. Let’s take a look.
It doesn’t wait for you to click, but anticipates what you may want to do next.
Sean Lyndersay Vice President of Product at Microsoft Edge.
New way to browse the internet
For many years, browsing followed the same formula: open tab, search, read and repeat. Copilot Mode transforms Edge from a passive tool to a proactive partner by integrating AI into Edge.
The feature is available on Windows and Mac and is free for a limited period of time. This offers a great opportunity to try AI-driven browsing.
Streamlined interface
If you enable Copilot Mode when opening a new tab, a clean and streamlined page will appear with a single input field. This box combines chat with web navigation and search. It allows you to interact with Edge using a conversational style. It’s almost like having a personal Assistant built into your browser to simplify tasks. You can use voice commands or type to instruct Copilot. This makes it accessible to users who prefer hands free navigation or have mobility issues.
Multi-Tab Contextual Analysis
Copilot Mode’s standout feature is its ability to analyze all your open tabs with your permission. This means it can provide context-aware suggestions, like comparing hotel options across multiple sites or identifying the best deal on a product. For example, when researching vacation rentals, you can ask Copilot to find options closest to the beach with a full kitchen, saving you from endless tab-switching. This multi-tab awareness puts it ahead of competitors such as Google’s Gemini in Chrome which does not have the same level integration.
Voice Navigation
Voice control is a game-changer for Copilot Mode. You can speak directly to Copilot to locate information on a page or open tabs for product comparisons.
A great use case I could easily see people using this would be to read a review (like any of the ones on this site), then asking copilot to find the cheapest place to buy, or opening tabs for the top 3 retailers etc. This enhances the browsing experience and in many cases can make it much faster to achieve the final outcome.
Copilot Mode introduces a dynamic pane that appears alongside webpages, allowing you to perform tasks like unit conversions, translations, or summarizing content without losing your place. Imagine browsing a recipe and asking Copilot to make it vegan— it suggests substitutions instantly, cutting through the clutter of long-winded blog posts. This feature allows you to stay focused and get quick, relevant responses.
I was very impressed with the ability to create an audio podcast (6 minutes) within seconds, where two people discussed the content of the website I was on. This is similar to Notebook LM but integrated in a more seamless manner. You can continue to browse while listening to the audio.
Future Features: Booking and Beyond
Microsoft teased upcoming enhancements including Copilot’s capability to access your browser history (with permission) and credentials for advanced tasks such as booking reservations or managing errands. You could, for example, ask Copilot to “Find me paddleboard rentals near my work” and it would check the weather, book a rental, and suggest other items such as sunscreen.
These AI agentic capabilities position Edge as an proactive tool, and not just a web browser.
Privacy Control
Privacy has become a hot issue, and Microsoft wants to address it. Copilot mode is an opt-in feature with clear visual indicators when it’s on. You can turn it off in Edge settings (Settings -> AI Innovations -> Copilot Mode). Microsoft only collects data that is needed to improve the user experience, or data you choose to share via Personalization settings. You are always in control.
What It Means
As AI browsers such as Perplexity’s Comet or OpenAI’s forthcoming offerings heat up the market, Microsoft Copilot Mode is an innovative move to keep Edge competitive. Users have praised its potential on X, praising the ability to streamline research while reducing digital clutter. Some users express concern about privacy due to Microsoft’s past controversies, such as the Recall feature.
The Road Ahead.
Copilot Mode remains experimental. I experienced a few glitches. For example, it told me about the Galaxy Z Fold 5 when I was reviewing the Z Fold 7! Microsoft promises regular updates based upon user feedback. Future features such as topic-based “journeys,” could make browsing more intuitive.
For more information, head to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/ai-powered/copilot-mode
