Microsoft has unveiled a new experimental feature for its Edge browser called Copilot Mode, designed to change the way users interact with the web. The announcement was made by Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, who described the feature as a smarter, AI-powered assistant that helps streamline browsing.
Today we’re introducing Copilot Mode in Edge, our first step in reinventing the browser for the AI age.
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) July 28, 2025
My favorite feature is multi-tab RAG. You can use Copilot to analyze your open tabs, like I do here with papers our team has published in @Nature journals over the last year.… pic.twitter.com/iF0gmbqTSW
Available immediately in markets where Microsoft Copilot is already offered, Copilot Mode introduces a dynamic new way to manage tasks, gather information, and navigate the internet. The tool is currently free for a limited period and is accessible only via Microsoft Edge on Windows and macOS platforms.
A smarter way to browse
Microsoft’s vision for Copilot Mode revolves around reducing the chaos of tab overload. With many users juggling multiple tabs—some for research, others for personal tasks—Edge’s new feature aims to simplify the experience. Rather than leaving tabs idle, Copilot Mode acts on behalf of the user, anticipating needs and offering suggestions based on browsing context.
Users are greeted with a page that includes a single input box, where they can type or speak commands. From conducting web searches to comparing products across open tabs, Copilot can help speed up decision-making with minimal clicks or typing. “Hello Edge!” is the welcome interface, enabling users to interact directly with the assistant.
The feature also supports voice commands. For instance, a user could ask whether the weather will be sunny on a particular day and, if so, instruct Copilot to book a paddleboarding session. Similarly, Copilot can extract essential content—like a recipe—from a webpage, skipping past ads and clutter.
Context-aware browsing with ease
Copilot can be granted permission to view all currently open tabs, allowing it to understand the user’s work in full context. This enables faster comparisons and smarter suggestions without the need to toggle between windows. Whether someone is evaluating hotel options for an upcoming trip or comparing robot vacuum cleaners, Copilot can help gather insights and inform decisions.
The assistant also offers continuity by helping users pick up where they left off on ongoing projects. It may suggest tutorials, remind them of previous tasks, or guide them to the next logical step in their workflow. This added layer of intelligence is intended to improve focus and productivity for anyone using Edge as part of a larger task or project.
Free to try, but for a limited time
Although Microsoft and Google have both previously integrated AI capabilities into their browsers, Copilot Mode represents a more active step in Microsoft’s broader AI strategy. While the tool remains free for now, its future pricing has not yet been disclosed.
Notably, Microsoft has emphasised user control and privacy. Copilot Mode operates only when a user explicitly opts in, and Edge provides visual cues to indicate when the assistant is active and accessing content. This transparency aims to address potential concerns around privacy and data monitoring.
For those who prefer a traditional browsing experience, switching back to the classic Edge interface can be done easily through the browser’s settings menu. Microsoft has confirmed that Copilot Mode will continue to evolve with additional features and enhancements over time.
