- 1 【FIXED】“StartFragment” Error in Microsoft Copilot – What It Means and How to Resolve It
- 2 What does this message mean?
- 3 What can users do?
- 4 What is “StartFragment” in the error?
- 5 Conclusion: Nothing to worry about
【FIXED】“StartFragment” Error in Microsoft Copilot – What It Means and How to Resolve It
Recently, some users have reported encountering the following error message when trying to access Microsoft Copilot (formerly known as Bing Chat):
“StartFragmentThis is an issue on Microsoft’s side. There is nothing wrong with your device. A problem has occurred. Waiting and refreshing the page might resolve it. Please try again.”
What does this message mean?
This message indicates a temporary issue or server-side disruption on Microsoft’s end. It does not suggest a problem with your device or actions.
- Temporary server outage on Microsoft’s side
- High traffic causing access limits
- Ongoing backend maintenance
What can users do?
Since the issue is on Microsoft’s side, there’s usually no need to panic. Try the following steps:
- Wait and try again later: The issue often resolves within minutes to a few hours.
- Refresh the browser (F5): Sometimes cached data can trigger the error.
- Try a different browser: If Edge doesn’t work, test Chrome or Firefox.
- Check official service status pages: Visit Microsoft Service Status.
What is “StartFragment” in the error?
“StartFragment” is a tag used in HTML clipboard operations. It is not meant to appear in user-facing messages. Its presence suggests a formatting error or UI bug on Microsoft’s side.
【Workaround 1】Use mobile data or VPN to change IP address
If Copilot access is IP-restricted due to traffic, switching to mobile tethering or using a VPN may allow you to bypass the limitation.
VPNs can also help avoid regional restrictions or overloaded access zones.
【Workaround 2】Try other AI tools while waiting
If you urgently need AI assistance, consider using these alternatives:
- Google Gemini
- ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- Perplexity AI
- Poe by Quora
【Workaround 3】Switch from Edge to Chrome or Firefox
Although Copilot is optimized for Microsoft Edge, cache or cookie issues may prevent it from working. Trying Chrome or Firefox can help in such cases.
【Tip 1】How to check Copilot service status quickly
You can track Copilot and other Microsoft services’ status via the following sites:
【Tip 2】Why is “StartFragment” showing?
These tags (StartFragment/EndFragment) are clipboard markers used in HTML copying. Their appearance in error messages suggests a rendering bug in Copilot’s system, likely to be fixed by Microsoft soon.
【Tip 3】When is Copilot most likely to error?
Errors tend to occur during US business hours due to high traffic. For smoother access, try using Copilot during Japanese morning or early afternoon.
【Tip 4】Quick Checklist When Copilot Fails
- Did you wait and retry after a while?
- Did you test on a different browser?
- Did you change your network or IP via VPN?
- Did you check Microsoft’s status page?
- Did you try another AI temporarily?
【Tip 5】Be aware of frequent Copilot updates
Copilot evolves rapidly. Features and requirements can change without notice. For instance:
- Latest Microsoft Edge may be required
- Microsoft account login may be mandatory
- Copilot and Bing Chat may split into separate services
If it worked yesterday but fails today, double-check:
- Your Edge browser is up to date
- You are logged into a Microsoft account
- You are accessing https://copilot.microsoft.com/
For most stable results, use Edge + Microsoft account login.
If you see strange error messages, remember: you are not alone. These issues are typically temporary and not your fault.
We hope this guide helps you navigate Copilot disruptions smoothly.
Conclusion: Nothing to worry about
This error is temporary and not a critical system failure. You don’t need to repair or reset your PC. Most of the time, waiting and retrying is enough.
If it persists for over a day, try switching networks, clearing cache, or contact Microsoft support.
When Copilot fails, it’s easy to feel something is wrong on your side—but most likely, it isn’t. Stay calm and try again later!
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