Microsoft Copilot has quickly become a popular AI-powered assistant integrated into Windows, Microsoft 365, Edge, and other services. However, users occasionally encounter a frustrating message: “We are experiencing an issue, Please try submitting a new message.” This generic error can interrupt workflows, block important tasks, and leave users unsure about the root cause of the problem. Understanding why this happens—and how to fix it—can help restore productivity and reduce downtime.
TLDR: The Copilot error message “We are experiencing an issue, Please try submitting a new message” is usually caused by server outages, internet connectivity problems, account authentication conflicts, or browser-related glitches. Most cases can be resolved with simple fixes such as refreshing the page, clearing cache, checking service status, or signing out and back in. In more persistent cases, updating apps, disabling extensions, or reinstalling Copilot may be necessary. Knowing the cause makes troubleshooting much easier.
Understanding the Copilot Error Message
The error message itself is intentionally broad. Microsoft designed it to appear whenever Copilot cannot process a request successfully. Unlike specific error codes, this message does not directly tell users what went wrong—only that something interrupted the process.
In most situations, the issue falls into one of four main categories:
- Server-side disruptions
- Network or connectivity problems
- Account authentication conflicts
- Browser or application glitches
This error is not typically permanent. Instead, it reflects a temporary inability to complete the request. That is why the message encourages submitting a new message—it often resolves itself within minutes.
Common Causes Behind the Error
1. Microsoft Server Issues
Like any cloud-based AI system, Copilot depends heavily on Microsoft’s servers. If Azure infrastructure, Microsoft 365 services, or Copilot-specific systems experience downtime or heavy traffic, users may encounter service interruptions.
High demand periods—such as major updates or large-scale enterprise usage—can overload systems. When this occurs, requests may fail, triggering the error message.
Users can verify this by visiting Microsoft’s service health dashboard. If there is a reported outage, waiting is often the only solution.
2. Internet Connection Instability
A weak or fluctuating internet connection can prevent Copilot from sending or receiving data correctly. Since AI responses are generated in real time, even small network disruptions may cause timeouts or failed submissions.
Common connectivity problems include:
- Unstable Wi-Fi signals
- VPN interference
- Corporate firewall restrictions
- ISP routing problems
Restarting the router or switching networks often resolves these issues quickly.
3. Browser Cache and Cookies Conflicts
When using Copilot in a browser like Edge or Chrome, corrupted cache files or conflicting cookies may disrupt communication between the user’s account and Microsoft’s authentication system.
Clearing cache and cookies can refresh the session and eliminate problematic stored data. This step fixes a surprising number of persistent Copilot errors.
4. Expired Login Sessions
Authentication tokens eventually expire. If Copilot attempts to process a request using an expired session token, the service may reject the message and display the generic error.
Signing out of the Microsoft account and signing back in refreshes authentication credentials and resolves this scenario.
5. Browser Extensions or Security Software
Ad blockers, privacy extensions, script blockers, or antivirus web shields can interfere with Copilot scripts. These tools sometimes block background connections that AI services depend on.
Temporarily disabling extensions or testing Copilot in a private browser window can identify whether an extension is the culprit.
6. Outdated Applications or Operating System
Running outdated versions of Microsoft Edge, Windows, or Microsoft 365 apps can cause compatibility conflicts. Copilot evolves rapidly, and older software versions may not support new API calls or features.
Updating the browser or application ensures compatibility with the latest backend changes.
Step-by-Step Fixes for the Copilot Error
When encountering the error message, users can follow this structured troubleshooting process:
- Refresh the page. A simple reload often resolves temporary interruptions.
- Submit the prompt again. The backend issue may have resolved within seconds.
- Check Microsoft Service Health. Confirm whether an outage is occurring.
- Test your internet connection. Restart the router or switch networks.
- Clear browser cache and cookies.
- Sign out and sign back into your Microsoft account.
- Disable browser extensions temporarily.
- Update your browser or app.
- Reinstall Copilot (if applicable).
This step-by-step sequence minimizes unnecessary effort and helps isolate the exact cause efficiently.
Enterprise Environment Considerations
In business environments where Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 or enterprise systems, additional complexities may arise.
- Conditional access policies
- Company firewalls
- Security compliance systems
- Administrative restrictions
IT administrators may block certain AI functionalities or data-sharing permissions. In such cases, employees experiencing the error should contact their organization’s IT department instead of troubleshooting independently.
How This Error Affects Productivity
Though seemingly minor, repeated Copilot interruptions can slow workflows significantly. Professionals relying on AI assistance for drafting emails, generating reports, or summarizing meetings may experience delays.
The psychological frustration also plays a role. When AI tools become integrated into daily routines, disruptions feel more impactful compared to occasional software bugs.
Fortunately, because the error is usually temporary, most users can restore functionality within minutes.
Preventing Future Occurrences
While server outages are beyond user control, several proactive measures reduce the likelihood of encountering this issue again:
- Keep browsers and apps updated.
- Maintain stable internet connectivity.
- Avoid running excessive browser extensions.
- Clear cache periodically.
- Monitor Microsoft service announcements.
Users in enterprise environments should also ensure their systems meet organizational compliance standards and remain properly authenticated.
When to Contact Microsoft Support
If the error persists for several hours across multiple devices and networks, contacting Microsoft Support may be necessary. Before doing so, users should gather:
- Device type and operating system version
- Browser version
- Screenshots of the error message
- Time and frequency of occurrence
Providing detailed information speeds up diagnosis and resolution.
Is This Error a Security Concern?
In most cases, no. The message typically indicates a technical failure rather than a security breach. However, if users are repeatedly logged out unexpectedly or asked to reauthenticate frequently, reviewing account security settings is advisable.
Enabling multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection while maintaining smooth Copilot functionality.
Final Thoughts
The “We are experiencing an issue, Please try submitting a new message” error in Copilot is frustrating but rarely serious. It usually stems from temporary server interruptions, connectivity problems, or session conflicts. By following systematic troubleshooting steps, users can quickly restore functionality and continue working.
As AI tools become more embedded in daily workflows, occasional service hiccups are inevitable. The key is understanding that most Copilot errors are short-lived and easily manageable with basic technical checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does Copilot keep saying it is experiencing an issue?
This typically happens due to server overload, internet disruptions, expired login sessions, or browser conflicts. In most cases, refreshing the page or signing back in resolves the issue.
2. Is the Copilot error related to my Microsoft account?
It can be. If your authentication token expires or there is a login conflict, Copilot may reject requests. Signing out and signing back in often fixes authentication-related problems.
3. Does clearing browser cache really help?
Yes. Corrupted cache files or cookies can interfere with account authentication and backend communication. Clearing them often resolves persistent issues.
4. How can I check if Microsoft services are down?
You can visit the official Microsoft 365 Service Health page or check outage monitoring websites. If an outage is reported, the only solution is to wait until Microsoft resolves it.
5. Should I reinstall Copilot?
Reinstallation is usually a last resort. Most errors are resolved through simpler steps such as refreshing, logging out, or updating the browser.
6. Is this error more common in enterprise accounts?
Enterprise environments sometimes introduce additional restrictions, such as firewall rules or conditional access policies, which may increase the likelihood of encountering service interruptions.
7. Is the error permanent?
No. In almost all cases, it is temporary and resolved within minutes or after basic troubleshooting steps.
