Microsoft Copilot and Outlook teamed up to make the worst Edge feature ever — but there's still time to cancel it

Clicking links in Outlook could soon open Copilot in Edge automatically.

Microsoft continues to push AI onto its users, proving that each Microsoft product can — and often will — serve as a billboard for services from the tech giant. An upcoming feature for Microsoft Edge will open Copilot in the side pane automatically when you click a link in Outlook.

I'm sure that Microsoft would argue the feature is useful, but everyone I've spoken to responded negatively. From jokes asking what Microsoft is doing to playfully cursing at the tech giant.

I don't think those reactions will be exclusive to my friends and colleagues. This feature is genuinely odd given the recent backlash against Microsoft forcing AI into more products and services.

The new feature is detailed on the Microsoft 365 roadmap:

"When users open links from Outlook, Microsoft Edge can automatically open the Copilot side pane to provide contextual insights and actionable suggestion chips based on email and destination content - such as highlighting key points, and recommending next actions - without disrupting the browsing flow. This experience helps users quickly understand content, take action with fewer steps, and get more value from Copilot while extending productive browsing time in Edge."

The roadmap entry does not specify if the feature will be enabled or disabled by default, I would assume the latter. Even if the Microsoft Edge team views this feature as genuinely useful, they should be aware enough to realize many would consider the feature being the default behavior of Edge as invasive.

The side pane mentioned by Microsoft is likely in the same spot as the Edge Sidebar, which is currently set for retirement. The Edge team appears keen to reserve that space for Copilot specifically.