Run the Copilot connectivity troubleshooter first because Copilot remaining on “Thinking” indicates that the app is open but may not be completing its connection.
1. Test and correct Copilot connectivity
- Open Start, search for Get Help, and open it.
- Enter Copilot connectivity troubleshooter in the search bar.
- Start the troubleshooter and follow its recommendations.
- Review the results for firewall rules or other connection blockers, apply any suggested remedy, and test Copilot again. ^1^
If it identifies a blocker, also check whether a VPN, proxy, security product, or managed network policy is responsible before changing organizational security settings.
2. Repair, then reset the Copilot app
If connectivity passes but Copilot still stops at “Thinking”:
- Open Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Find Copilot.
- Select the More options (…) button → Advanced options.
- Select Repair and reopen Copilot.
- If Repair does not resolve it, return to the same page and select Reset. ^2^
Reset may remove locally stored app data and return the app to its default state. Sign back in with the Microsoft account previously used for Copilot.
3. Update Windows and the Store app
For Microsoft Store apps, Microsoft recommends checking both Windows and Store updates:
- Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, then install available updates.
- Open Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates.
- Install any Copilot or Microsoft Store update, restart Windows, and test again. ^3^
4. Reinstall Copilot
If Repair and Reset do not work:
- Windows 11: Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find Copilot, select … → Uninstall.
- Windows 10: Open Settings → Apps, find Copilot, and select Uninstall.
- Reinstall Microsoft Copilot from Microsoft Store, open it, and sign in again. ^4^
If the newly installed app still hangs on “Thinking” after the connectivity troubleshooter reports no issue, submit feedback through the menu near the profile icon in Copilot. If that menu cannot be opened, launch Feedback Hub with Windows key + F and include the time of failure, Windows version, account type, and troubleshooter results.
References
- Copilot troubleshooters | Microsoft Support
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/apps/repair-apps-and-programs-in-windows#summary)
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/fix-problems-with-apps-from-microsoft-store)
- Welcome to Copilot on Windows