Microsoft’s recent update to its Copilot AI tool has faced significant backlash from both employees and users. Many consider the new version a downgrade in functionality.
The update, overseen by Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s new AI lead and former DeepMind executive, was intended to make Copilot a more interactive “AI companion.” However, instead of improving the tool, the update has led to widespread dissatisfaction due to issues such as app freezing, reduced functionality, and the removal of real-time information features.
Since the update’s release in early October, negative reviews have surged on Microsoft’s App Store. The app, which previously held a 4.8-star rating, has accumulated over 250 one-star reviews this month, a stark contrast to the mere 20 one-star reviews recorded in September.
Users report frustrations with slower response times, the inability to delete past conversations, and limitations to the image- generation feature, which now only creates one image per request instead of the previous four.
Microsoft has responded to the feedback by highlighting the update’s intent to create a “simpler, calmer experience.” The company further clarified that the added voice interaction capabilities are designed to turn Copilot from a transactional tool into a conversational assistant.
Despite these intentions, employees and users argue that the consumer-focused Copilot falls short compared to the business-oriented version embedded in Microsoft 365. They describe the corporate version as significantly more effective for productivity tasks. For many, the “AI companion” model doesn’t resonate, as users emphasise their need for a practical, reliable tool rather than an interactive digital assistant.
