TL;DR
Microsoft analyzed 37.5 million de-identified Copilot conversations from January to September 2025 and identified clear patterns by device, time of day and day of week. The research suggests chat assistants are being used for both practical tasks and personal queries, though Copilot remains a small player in overall chatbot market share.
What happened
Microsoft researchers reviewed 37.5 million de-identified Copilot conversations collected between January and September 2025, excluding commercial and educational accounts. Instead of only cataloging what people asked, the team examined when and on which devices those interactions happened. The analysis showed distinct habits: mobile users frequently posed health-related questions across the day, while desktop chats skewed toward work-oriented topics during office hours. Coding questions peaked on weekdays; gaming-related conversations rose at weekends; and more reflective or philosophical queries tended to appear late at night. Topic distribution also shifted over the period — productivity matters were dominant in January, but by September subjects such as society, culture and history made up a larger share of interactions. The researchers interpret these patterns as signs that AI assistants are becoming woven into daily life, even as Copilot’s market footprint remains small compared with rivals.
Why it matters
- Device- and time-based usage patterns show assistants are being used for both practical and personal needs, signaling broader social adoption.
- The shift from technical to cultural and historical topics suggests the user base is broadening beyond early developer-heavy adopters.
- Rising nighttime, philosophical queries point to chatbots filling roles beyond productivity, with implications for mental-health considerations.
- Despite deeper integration into routines, Copilot’s market share is limited, so broader trends reflect the growth of assistant use rather than Copilot dominance.
Key facts
- Microsoft examined 37.5 million de-identified Copilot conversations from January–September 2025.
- The dataset excluded commercial and educational accounts.
- Mobile interactions were more likely to include health questions throughout the day.
- Desktop usage skewed toward business and productivity during working hours.
- Programming queries peaked on weekdays; gaming topics increased on weekends.
- Philosophical or existential questions tended to rise at night.
- Topic mix changed over time: productivity-focused conversations dominated in January, while society, culture and history topics grew by September.
- Statcounter figures cited show ChatGPT holding over 80% market share while Copilot was slightly over 3%.
What to watch next
- Whether the device- and time-based usage patterns observed from January–September 2025 continue or shift in later periods — not confirmed in the source.
- If and how concerns around mental-health impacts from late-night, reflective chatbot use lead to product changes or guidance — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Copilot’s market share grows relative to competitors after September 2025 — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Copilot: Microsoft’s conversational AI assistant designed to help users with tasks ranging from productivity to casual questions.
- De-identified data: Information processed to remove or obscure personal identifiers so individuals cannot be readily identified.
- Market share: The percentage of total users or usage attributed to a particular product or service within a given market.
- Chatbot: A software program that uses natural language processing to interact with users via text or voice.
Reader FAQ
How many Copilot conversations did Microsoft analyze?
Microsoft reviewed 37.5 million de-identified conversations from January to September 2025.
Did the analysis include business or school accounts?
No. The dataset excluded commercial and educational accounts.
Is Copilot the market leader in chatbots?
No. The source cites Statcounter data showing ChatGPT with over 80% market share and Copilot at just above 3%.
Should people use Copilot for medical or mental-health advice?
The source notes a chatbot may not be the right place for health advice and compares it to searching online; it does not provide formal medical guidance.
AI + ML 57 Microsoft research shows chatbots seeping into everyday life Copilot – your cuddly companion for nighttime introspection Richard Speed Thu 11 Dec 2025 // 12:25 UTC Microsoft analyzed 37.5 million de-identified…
Sources
- Microsoft research shows chatbots seeping into everyday life
- It's About Time: The Copilot Usage Report 2025 – Microsoft AI
- 😸 Microsoft's 37M+ conversation study reveals surprising …
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