Outlook bug: Microsoft fixes problem with missing Copilot buttons
Outlook Classic users have been faced with a puzzle in recent weeks: the buttons for the AI assistant Copilot had suddenly disappeared. Now there is a saving update that corrects the incorrect display.
AI functions usable again
Only users of the classic desktop version of Outlook for Windows were affected, but now there is full access to the AI tools again. An incorrect profile retrieval, which caused the Copilot buttons to disappear without a trace in recent weeks, has been fixed in a current update. The error prevented the application from reading required account information from the user profile. The disruption affected users with a license for Copilot Chat (Basic) and subscribers to Microsoft 365 Copilot (Premium). They were missing the button above the ribbon and the icon in the left app bar. If users tried to start the assistant via the “Add apps” area, clicking “Open” had no effect. Even when adding it manually using the ribbon customization, the command just appeared grayed out.
As Microsoft explained in an updated support document, the issue occurred starting with build 20026.20182. The company originally fixed the bug back in June 2026 before subsequent updates revived it.
Additional bug fix
If the AI function is still missing despite the new update, a setting could also be the cause. Users can access the “Advanced” area under the “File” tab in the “Options”. There, under “Outlook areas” you will find the “Show apps in Outlook” checkbox, which must be activated. The company also recommends using the official Copilot troubleshooting tools to identify additional issues. Alternatively, as a temporary detour, switching to the new Outlook, using the web version Outlook Web Access or creating a completely new Outlook profile can help to avoid the blockage.
Looking at development
The classic email program has already had to contend with other hurdles this year. In the past, the manufacturer fixed errors that prevented some users from sending emails via Outlook.com. Another bug temporarily made the client completely unusable when the add-in for meetings in Microsoft Teams was activated. Are you already actively using the AI assistant or do you prefer to rely on classic email workflows? Feel free to share your experiences and views with us in the comments. See also:
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