Copilot is not working

Anna Hutcheson 0 Reputation points
2026-10-22T00:26:58.4833333+00:00

When I just type, "Hi" into copilot, it returns with, "We're temporarily unable to respond to this volume of requests. Please try again later." Why can't I use my copilot?

Microsoft Copilot | Windows Copilot | App
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  1. Vikki-T 12,520 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-22T10:17:51.1733333+00:00

    Hi Anna Hutcheson,

    I understand how inconvenient this is, especially when Copilot cannot respond even to a simple message.

    The wording of the error suggests that Copilot may be experiencing a temporary capacity or service availability issue rather than a problem with the prompt itself. Before making changes to the app, please wait a little while, start a new conversation, and try again.

    To help determine whether the issue is limited to the Windows app, could you please check whether the same message appears when you use Copilot on the web with the same account? If possible, also test using a different Internet connection, such as a mobile hotspot.

    If Copilot works on the web but not in the Windows app, you can run the Copilot connectivity troubleshooter through the Get Help app. If the same message continues across both the app and web version, please use … > Send feedback > Report a problem in Copilot and include the approximate time the error occurred.

    Please let me know whether the web version works and how long this message has been appearing. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-22T00:27:45.7+00:00

    The “temporarily unable to respond to this volume of requests” message usually calls for checking Microsoft’s live service status and retrying later before changing or reinstalling the Windows Copilot app.

    Check whether this is service-side

    1. Open the Microsoft service health status page and look for a current Copilot incident. This error pattern has occurred during incidents in which Copilot could not return responses, although a currently active incident cannot be confirmed from the static status information.^1^
    2. If an incident is listed, no local repair is required. Wait for Microsoft to mark it resolved, then start a new Copilot conversation.
    3. If no incident is shown, wait several minutes and try once more. Avoid repeatedly submitting the prompt while the capacity message is displayed.

    Separate an app problem from a service or account problem

    Open Copilot in a private browser window and sign in with the same account used by the Windows app:

    • Browser also shows the message: This points away from the installed app. Try again later; if it persists, run the connectivity test below.
    • Browser works but the Windows app fails: Repair the local app:
      1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Copilot.
      2. Select Advanced options → Repair.
      3. Reopen Copilot and test a new conversation.
      4. If Repair does not help, return to Advanced options → Reset. Reset removes the app’s local data, so sign-in may be required again.
      5. If necessary, uninstall Copilot and reinstall it from Microsoft Store.^2^

    Run Microsoft’s connectivity check

    If the failure continues with no reported outage:

    1. Open the Windows Get Help app.
    2. Search for Copilot connectivity troubleshooter.
    3. Run it and apply any recommended remedy.

    The troubleshooter checks for firewall rules and other connection blockers.^3^

    Report a persistent failure

    If both the app and browser continue failing after the service status is clear:

    1. In Copilot, select … → Send feedback → Report a problem.
    2. Include:
      • The complete error message
      • When it began and the approximate timestamps
      • Windows version
      • Whether the same account fails in a private browser window
      • A screenshot

    Microsoft specifically requests device, operating-system, start-time, and screenshot details when reporting Copilot problems.^4^

    References

    1. Microsoft service health status
    2. Co-Pilot is crippingly slow - Microsoft Q&A
    3. Copilot troubleshooters | Microsoft Support
    4. Troubleshoot Your Content in the Updated Copilot App | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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