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A Fresh Look for Copilot—Again
Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, is getting yet another user interface (UI) update. This marks at least the sixth major redesign, and it brings a significant change: the chat history has moved to a permanent sidebar on the left, replacing the previous pop-up format.
The shift was first reported by Windows Latest, highlighting how Microsoft continues to tweak Copilot’s interface. This latest adjustment is part of a broader redesign effort that began in September 2024. Back then, Microsoft revamped Copilot’s UI, taking inspiration from Pi AI, a company founded by Mustafa Suleyman—who now leads Microsoft AI. That redesign removed the left sidebar and introduced a pop-up for chat history.
However, internal data from Microsoft suggests that users prefer having chat history readily available on the left side, allowing for seamless navigation between past and ongoing conversations. In response, Microsoft is rolling out a new version of Copilot that closely resembles OpenAI’s ChatGPT, complete with similar icons for expanding and starting new conversations.
New Features in Copilot’s Interface
The updated Copilot interface includes:
- Persistent Chat History Sidebar – The chat history panel is now always visible on the left side, making it easier to revisit previous discussions.
- Discover Button – A new feature that helps users explore Copilot’s capabilities and access Copilot Daily, an AI-powered podcast summarizing the latest news.
- Improved Chat Modes – Users can now select from two distinct conversation modes:
- Quick Mode – Generates responses within 2-3 seconds, ideal for casual, everyday interactions.
- Think Deeper Mode – Takes about 30 seconds to generate responses but offers more advanced reasoning for complex tasks. Unlike OpenAI’s ChatGPT 3.5 model, which has a limit of 50 chats per day for paid users, Think Deeper mode is unlimited.
Microsoft is reportedly working on additional modes beyond Quick and Think Deeper, though details remain unclear for now.
What Undercode Say: A Deeper Analysis
Microsoft’s Copilot has been evolving rapidly, and this latest UI update raises several key insights about the company’s AI strategy.
1. Copilot’s Evolution Mirrors ChatGPT’s Interface
The most striking aspect of this update is how closely Copilot is now resembling ChatGPT. The left-hand sidebar, the conversation organization, and even the icons for chat functions are nearly identical to OpenAI’s design. This suggests that Microsoft recognizes the usability strengths of ChatGPT’s interface and is aligning its own AI assistant accordingly.
2. User-Centric Adjustments Indicate Data-Driven Design
Microsoft’s internal data clearly played a role in this redesign. By restoring the left-hand chat history panel, they are prioritizing usability based on observed user behavior. This shows a shift toward more practical, user-driven design decisions rather than experimental UI changes that disrupt workflow.
3. The Push Toward AI Content Discovery
The of the Discover button signals a strategic move to make Copilot more than just a chatbot. By integrating content discovery and summarization through Copilot Daily, Microsoft is positioning Copilot as a broader AI-powered assistant capable of curating information for users.
4. AI Modes: A Competitive Edge Over ChatGPT?
The addition of two AI response modes is a noteworthy development. The ability to choose between Quick and Think Deeper modes provides users with flexibility based on their needs. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT restricts deep reasoning tasks to 50 interactions per day for paid users, Microsoft is offering unlimited usage of its most advanced reasoning mode. This could be a competitive advantage in the long run, especially for users who rely on AI for complex problem-solving.
5. The Implications of Frequent UI Changes
While improvements in AI usability are always welcome, the constant changes to Copilot’s UI could frustrate users who prefer stability. Frequent redesigns may lead to a learning curve each time an update is rolled out, potentially slowing down adoption rates.
6. What’s Next for Copilot?
If Microsoft continues refining Copilot’s UI and functionality, we may soon see further personalization options, additional conversation modes, and deeper integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem (such as Office 365 and Windows). Future updates could also focus on expanding Copilot’s capabilities beyond chat, such as real-time document analysis, enhanced automation, or even voice interaction features.
Fact Checker Results
- Chat History Placement – Verified: Microsoft has confirmed moving chat history to a left-hand sidebar.
- Chat Modes – Confirmed: Microsoft currently offers Quick and Think Deeper modes, with potential for more in the future.
- Design Inspiration from Pi AI – Highly Likely: Multiple reports suggest Microsoft borrowed elements from Pi AI, but direct confirmation from Microsoft is unavailable.
References:
Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/03/24/microsoft-updates-copilot-with-chatgpt-like-interface-mode-buttons-spotted/
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