Microsoft Edge gets Copilot-inspired redesign that users can't disable, sparking backlash

Microsoft Edge Adopts Copilot-Style User Interface in Latest Builds

Microsoft is testing a significant browser redesign for Microsoft Edge that borrows heavily from its Copilot app, according to reports from Windows Central 1

1

. The changes, currently visible in Dev and Canary builds, transform the Edge browser interface to closely resemble the Copilot experience. When users launch the updated browser, they're greeted with a splash screen nearly identical to Copilot's, complete with personalized text asking how it can help and a prominent search box 1

1

. The redesigned interface elements adopt colors, fonts, and more pronounced rounded corners from the Copilot app, creating a unified visual language across Microsoft's ecosystem 2

2

.

No Option to Disable the AI Makeover

The most contentious aspect of this unpopular browser redesign is that users cannot turn it off. Windows Central attempted to disable Copilot Mode, but the new UI design persisted 1

1

. The Copilot-inspired visual changes are being applied universally to the browser, regardless of whether users have enabled Copilot Mode. However, the Copilot-based New Tab Page remains optional and only appears for those who've activated Copilot Mode; others still see the standard MSN news and Bing feed 2

2

. Currently, the search box doesn't automatically direct users to Copilot but still allows opening links or searching Bing, suggesting this may be a gradual transition rather than an immediate takeover 1

1

.

Microsoft's AI Push and the Agentic Operating System Vision

This Copilot-ification represents Microsoft's broader strategy to integrate AI across its entire product lineup and transform Windows into an agentic operating system where Copilot serves as the core 1

1

. The company has already added AI-powered features to applications like Paint, Notepad, and rebranded Microsoft Office to Microsoft 365 Copilot 2

2

. The Edge redesign appears to be laying groundwork for a visual shake-up where Microsoft will gradually redesign its apps to use the same look and feel as Copilot 1

1

. This move may extend further into other apps or even the Windows 11 desktop operating system itself 2

2

.

Growing User Backlash and the 'Microslop' Phenomenon

User feedback has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing frustration on social media platforms including Reddit 2

2

. Microsoft's AI strategy has sparked the coining of a new derogatory term: "Microslop," a play on "AI slop" that refers to AI features shoveled into products unnecessarily. The term gained traction after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented that "we need to get beyond the arguments of slop vs sophistication" with AI 2

2

. Critics argue that Microsoft is losing user trust and ignoring concerns from those rebelling against forced AI adoption. The company's approach stands in stark contrast to its earlier promises about listening to user feedback when Windows 11 launched 2

2

. With Edge already faring badly in recent times, this aggressive push to integrate AI could further alienate users who feel Microsoft is prioritizing its AI ambitions over user preferences and experience.