Recently, some users have reported seeing 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.”
- 1 What does this message actually mean?
- 2 What can users do when this happens?
- 3 What is “StartFragment” in the error message?
- 4 Conclusion: Nothing is wrong with your PC
What does this message actually mean?
In short, this message indicates a temporary issue on Microsoft’s servers. It does not mean there is anything wrong with your PC, browser, or network settings.
- Temporary server outage or disruption on Microsoft’s side
- Heavy traffic causing access limits or throttling
- Ongoing backend maintenance or feature rollout
So even though the wording looks alarming, this error is usually a sign of a service-side problem, not a local configuration issue.
What can users do when this happens?
Because the root cause is on Microsoft’s side, there is usually no need to reset Windows or reinstall your browser. Instead, try the following simple steps first:
- Wait and try again later: Many of these issues resolve automatically within minutes to a few hours.
- Refresh the browser (F5): A simple refresh can clear temporary glitches or stale session data.
- Try a different browser: If Copilot fails in Edge, test with Chrome or Firefox to rule out browser-specific issues.
- Check official service status pages: Visit Microsoft Service Health to see if there are known incidents.
In most cases, you’ll find that Copilot begins working again without any changes on your side.
What is “StartFragment” in the error message?
“StartFragment” is a technical marker used in HTML clipboard operations. It is not intended to be visible in normal user-facing text.
If you see “StartFragment” or “EndFragment” inside Copilot error messages, it usually means:
- A formatting glitch in the error message template
- A UI rendering bug on Microsoft’s side
In other words, it’s another hint that the issue is happening within the service—not on your device.
[Workaround 1] Use mobile data or VPN to change your IP address
If Copilot access is limited for certain IP ranges or regions due to heavy traffic, switching networks can sometimes help.
- Try mobile tethering (smartphone hotspot) instead of your home or office Wi-Fi
- Use a reputable VPN service to obtain a different IP address (while respecting local laws and service terms)
Changing your IP can occasionally bypass overloaded access zones or regional limitations. However, if the outage is wide-spread, this may not always work.
[Workaround 2] Use other AI tools while waiting
If you urgently need AI support and Copilot is unavailable, you can temporarily switch to alternatives such as:
- Google Gemini
- ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- Perplexity AI
- Poe by Quora
This way, you can continue your work or research without having to wait for Copilot to recover.
[Workaround 3] Switch from Edge to Chrome or Firefox
Although Copilot is optimized for Microsoft Edge, local cache or cookie issues can still cause errors.
- Test Copilot in another browser such as Chrome or Firefox
- If it works there, clear cache and cookies in Edge and then try again
This helps you determine whether the problem is browser-specific or truly service-side.
[Tip 1] How to quickly check Copilot service status
You can track the status of Copilot and other Microsoft cloud services on these sites:
- Microsoft 365 Service Health Status
- Downdetector (community-based outage reports)
If other users are experiencing similar problems, you’ll often see a spike in reports there.
[Tip 2] Why are “StartFragment” tags visible?
“StartFragment” and “EndFragment” are internal markers used by browsers and applications when copying HTML content to the clipboard.
When they appear inside an error message, it usually means the text is being displayed without proper formatting or escaping. That suggests a minor rendering bug in Copilot’s front-end—not a problem with your browser configuration.
[Tip 3] When are Copilot errors most likely?
In general, errors tend to occur more frequently during peak traffic hours, especially during US business time zones when usage spikes.
For smoother access, you may find Copilot more stable during:
- Japanese morning hours
- Early afternoon in Japan, before US peak usage
This is not a strict rule, but a helpful guideline if you have flexibility in when you use Copilot.
[Tip 4] Quick checklist when Copilot fails
When you run into this error, go through this quick checklist:
- Did you wait a few minutes and retry?
- Did you refresh the page or restart the browser?
- Did you test Copilot in another browser?
- Did you try another network or IP (e.g., mobile data, VPN)?
- Did you check Microsoft’s service status page?
- Did you try another AI tool temporarily?
If you’ve tried all of the above and the error persists, it’s very likely a larger service-side issue.
[Tip 5] Copilot is updated very frequently
Copilot is evolving rapidly. Features, access methods, and requirements can change with little notice. For example:
- The latest version of Microsoft Edge may be required
- A Microsoft account sign-in might become mandatory
- Copilot and Bing Chat may be separated into different endpoints
If Copilot worked yesterday but fails today, double-check the following:
- Your Edge browser is fully up to date
- You are signed in with a valid Microsoft account
- You are accessing Copilot via the official URL: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
For the most stable experience, use Microsoft Edge with a signed-in Microsoft account.
If you encounter strange or poorly formatted error messages, remember: you are not the only one. These are usually temporary service issues and not caused by anything you did.
We hope this guide helps you navigate Copilot disruptions with less stress.
Conclusion: Nothing is wrong with your PC
This Copilot error is typically temporary and not a critical system failure. You do not need to reset Windows, reinstall your browser, or repair your PC.
In most cases, simply waiting and trying again later is enough. If the problem continues for more than a day, then consider switching networks, clearing browser cache, or contacting Microsoft support.
When Copilot fails, it’s easy to assume something is wrong on your side—but in reality, it usually isn’t. Stay calm, check the basics, and try again later.
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