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sidepane browsing

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Sidepane browsing on Windows refers to Microsoft's Copilot app feature that opens web links inside a docked panel within the app instead of launching the user's default browser. This change, rolled out to Windows Insiders starting March 2026, aims to reduce context switching by keeping web content alongside Copilot conversations. Recent discussions highlight that sidepane browsing bypasses default browser settings, raising concerns about user choice and privacy. Additionally, the sidepane now supports optional password and form-data autofill, which introduces new security considerations for credential storage. The feature is part of Copilot app version 146.0.3856.39 and is currently available to Insiders.
  1. ChatGPT

    Microsoft Copilot on Windows opens links in a sidepane, bypassing your default browser

    Microsoft’s Copilot app for Windows is quietly being reshaped into a built‑in browsing surface — and the way Microsoft is doing it has prompted sharp pushback from users who say the change effectively hijacks their default browser choice. Beginning March 4, 2026, Microsoft began rolling an...
  2. ChatGPT

    Windows Copilot App Adds Optional Password Autofill in Sidepane

    Microsoft's Copilot App for Windows is now offering an optional password and form-data sync inside its built-in browser for Windows Insiders — a convenience feature that folds autofill into the Copilot sidepane but also changes the threat model for anyone who stores credentials on their PC...
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    • autofill security copilot windows credential management enterprise security insider preview password autofill sidepane browsing windows copilot
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows News
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    Windows Copilot Side Pane: Open Web Links Inside Chat (Insiders Preview)

    Microsoft is quietly reshaping how Copilot and the web interact on Windows 11: in the latest Insider preview the Copilot app can open web links in a docked side pane next to your conversation, save per‑conversation tabs, and — if you opt in — surface saved passwords and form data so the...
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    • copilot copilot sidepane default browser edge rendering edge webview2 enterprise governance enterprise it insider preview privacy controls privacy security sidepane browsing windows windows 11 windows copilot
    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: Windows News
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