Copilot Is Taking Over Edge’s Immersive Reader Mode

Microsoft is testing a redesigned Immersive Reader layout with Copilot in Edge Canary. The reader interface has remained unchanged, and the redesign brings Microsoft Copilot deeper into reader mode.

Immersive Reader has traditionally been used for distraction-free reading, with a strong focus on text layout and comfort. Controls such as font size, spacing, themes, and line focus are the tools most readers expect to access quickly.

In the new layout, those practical reading options are no longer front and center.

Instead, actions such as Summarize, Explain, and Chat with Copilot appear directly in the reader toolbar. These AI actions take visual priority over traditional reading controls. While core reader options may still exist, they are not immediately visible in the main interface.

When any of these Copilot actions are selected, Edge opens Copilot in the sidebar. For example, choosing Summarize triggers a Copilot-generated summary in the side panel. The same behavior applies to Explain and Chat with Copilot, with responses appearing alongside the article rather than inside the reader view itself.

Copilot now dominates the toolbar.

Microsoft may move reading controls under a settings or gear menu. The company may still change the current UI while testing continues. However, in its present form, the experience places AI interaction ahead of reading comfort.

How to Enable Copilot in the Edge’s Immersive Reader

If you want to try the new layout (available on Windows, macOS, and Linux):

1. Launch the latest Edge Canary
2. Visit edge://flags
3. Search for “Updated UX for Edge Immersive Reader”
4. Enable the flag and restart Edge

Open any text-heavy webpage, click the More actions menu in the address bar, and select “Immersive Reader”. You can also press F9 to trigger reader mode.

In the reader toolbar, you will see options such as Read aloud, Translate, Summarize, Explain, and Chat with Copilot. Apart from Read aloud, most visible actions are now Copilot-driven.

For users who prefer a clutter-free reading experience, Copilot’s growing presence may sideline what makes Immersive Reader useful in the first place.

That’s not all. Microsoft Edge is testing Copilot in InPrivate windows, a new main menu toggle for Copilot mode, and a redesigned New Tab page with two sidebars.