Microsoft has entered the AI browser wars with the launch of Copilot Mode for Edge, a significant step toward reimagining how users interact with the web.
Released on July 28, 2025, Copilot Mode transforms Edge into an agentic AI assistant that doesn't just passively display web pages but actively helps users navigate and make sense of online content. When enabled, it replaces the traditional new tab page with a streamlined interface featuring a single input box that combines chat, search, and web navigation.
With user permission, Copilot Mode can analyze all open tabs to understand the full context of what someone is researching. This capability allows it to provide more relevant responses and comparisons—particularly useful when shopping or researching across multiple sites. The feature also supports natural voice navigation, enabling users to speak directly to Copilot about what they're trying to accomplish.
Microsoft has emphasized that privacy remains a priority, with clear visual cues indicating when Copilot is viewing or listening, and users maintaining full control over their data. The feature is currently available for free in all Copilot markets exclusively on Edge for Windows and Mac, though Microsoft notes it will only be free for a "limited time."
The launch comes amid intensifying competition in the AI browser space. Perplexity launched its Comet browser on July 9, while OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Agent on July 17—a unified agentic system that can perform complex online tasks. Google has also integrated its Gemini AI directly into Chrome.
What sets Microsoft's approach apart is the frictionless integration within a mainstream browser. Unlike ChatGPT Agent, which operates in a virtual environment, Edge's Copilot Mode can see what users have open in real-time on their desktop, creating a more seamless experience.
Future updates will enable more advanced capabilities, including booking reservations, remembering tasks, and organizing browsing history into topic-based "journeys." As Microsoft continues to enhance Copilot Mode, it aims to position Edge as a leading contender in the evolving landscape of AI-powered web browsers.