Microsoft just announced Mico, a new expressive avatar interface for Copilot that will appear when you talk to it. It can emote, change shape, and float around the Copilot interface while you chat, providing a more human and interactive chatting experience.
But hidden within Mico is another assistant, one far more legendary and potentially capable. If you tap on Mico a number of times, it’ll eventually turn into… CLIPPY.
Hint – Mico on mobile can turn into clippy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0grwDoXcaROctober 23, 2025
Clippy is Microsoft’s original assistant. Before Copilot and before Cortana, there was Clippy, which was first introduced in Microsoft Office 97 as a way to teach users how to use Word.
When Clippy first debuted, it was dunked on by pretty much everyone. It became a joke among those in the tech world, and Microsoft eventually phased it out. Fast forward to 2025, and Clippy has gained legendary status in pop culture. It’s no longer hated by the masses, but adored thanks to nostalgia.
And now, it’s back, spiritually, inside Copilot. Mico is just Clippy with a fresh coat of paint, and a more advanced capability set of course. It’s a fun easter egg that I appreciate Microsoft for including, harkening back to its original roots.
Now, we just need Microsoft to bring back Rover the dog, and the gang will be all back together.
Alongside Mico, Microsoft also announced a number of other capabilities coming to Copilot, including the ability to chat with the assistant in groups of up to 32 people, and have Copilot push back against misplaced assumptions in certain topics.
FAQ
Can Microsoft Copilot really turn into Clippy?
Yes — if you type “/clippy” into Copilot’s prompt bar, it activates a hidden mode that brings back Clippy, the iconic paperclip assistant, as a playful overlay. It’s a nod to Microsoft’s past, now powered by modern AI.
What does Clippy mode actually do?
Clippy doesn’t change Copilot’s core functionality, but it adds a nostalgic visual and tone. You’ll see Clippy pop up with animated reactions and retro-style commentary while Copilot continues to assist with tasks like writing, summarizing, and answering questions.
Is Clippy mode available to everyone?
It’s currently available in select builds of Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot experiences. Not all users may see it yet, and it’s considered more of an Easter egg than a formal feature.
Why did Microsoft bring back Clippy?
It’s part of a broader effort to make AI more approachable and fun. Clippy was once mocked, but it’s now embraced as a nostalgic icon — and this hidden mode helps soften the perception of AI tools by adding personality and humor.
Does Clippy mode affect productivity or performance?
Not at all. It’s purely cosmetic and playful. Copilot’s capabilities remain unchanged, so you can still use it for serious work — just with a retro companion cheering you on.
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