Copilot Not Working

How to Fix the Microsoft Copilot 'Cannot Reach Now' Error

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to use the Microsoft Copilot app due to a recurring connection error message, despite the device being connected to the internet.

Product: Microsoft Copilot
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to launch and interact with the Microsoft Copilot app while connected to the internet.
Observed behavior: The Copilot app displays a "Can't reach now, try again later" error message and fails to process prompts.

Before you start

Verify that your device has a stable internet connection and ensure you are signed into the correct personal, school, or work Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable VPN and Proxy Connections

Active VPNs and proxy servers can often block the specific ports or servers Microsoft Copilot needs to function.

Copilot relies on specific Microsoft servers to process AI prompts. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxy configurations can sometimes route your traffic in a way that blocks these connections, triggering a false offline error.

Turn off VPN software

Open your third-party VPN application and temporarily disconnect or disable the service.

Disable Windows Proxy

Navigate to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and turn off the 'Use a proxy server' toggle.

Switch networks

Disconnect from your current Wi-Fi network and try connecting to a different network or a mobile hotspot to see if the issue persists.

Work and School Accounts: If you are using a managed school or work network, the administrator may have intentionally blocked access to Copilot services.

Solution 2

Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Overly aggressive security software might mistake Copilot's background network requests for suspicious activity and block them.

Solution 3

Reset Network and Change DNS Settings

Clearing out corrupted network caches and switching to a public DNS can resolve stubborn server routing issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Copilot say 'Can't reach now' when my internet is working fine?

This error typically occurs when something intercepts or blocks the connection specifically to Microsoft's AI servers. Common culprits include active VPNs, custom proxy servers, strict firewall configurations, or temporary outages on Microsoft's end.

Can my Microsoft account type cause Copilot connection errors?

Yes. If you are signed in with a work or school account, your organization's IT administrator may have implemented policies that restrict access to Copilot, or it may require you to be on the company's specific intranet to function.

How do I fix Copilot connection errors on a mobile device?

On iOS or Android, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to reset the connection, switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data, disable any mobile VPN or ad-blocker apps, and ensure the Copilot app is updated to the latest version from your app store.

Microsoft Copilot Issues