Microsoft’s Copilot and various AI features are now integrated into Windows. However, they’re not mandatory; you can disable most if you’re not on board with the AI hype. This guide covers every method for removing Copilot and other AI features from Windows.
Table of Contents
- Uninstall Copilot in Windows
- Remove Copilot button from Edge’s toolbar
- Disable AI Writing Assistant
- Disable AI in DevTools
- Remove AI features in Notepad
- Disable Copilot in Microsoft Office
- Bonus: disable AI Scareware blocker
Uninstall Copilot in Windows
While removing Copilot after its initial introduction was difficult, it’s much easier now, as it is a standalone app. If you are on using the latest version of Windows 11, you can uninstall Copilot just as you would any other app in Windows.
In Windows Settings, go to Apps → Installed apps. Find the Copilot app, and choose Uninstall from the More options menu next to it.
This will uninstall the Copilot app, but it won’t make Copilot unusable in other apps. However, it will remove some background processes that Copilot runs, even when you didn’t use it.
Microsoft Edge AI is mostly in Copilot in the sidebar, AI writing suggestions, and AI search features. Thankfully, you can disable these AI features from Edge’s settings or Edge flags.
Microsoft Edge has a Copilot button in the toolbar that you can click to open Copilot in the sidebar to interact with as you browse. You can disable it from Edge’s settings.
From Edge’s main menu, click on Settings, then go to Copilot and sidebar -> Copilot.
Disable the toggle button next to Show Copilot button on the toolbar, and the Copilot button will be replaced by a sidebar button.
Disable AI Writing Assistant
Edge includes Microsoft Editor for grammar and spelling suggestions, but it now also uses an AI-powered writing assistant to help you rewrite your text and adjust your style. This additional functionality can be disabled via settings.
In Edge’s settings, go to Languages, and disable the Collaborate with Copilot as you write on the web option.
Microsoft Edge can help you solve webpage errors inside DevTools (Ctrl + Shift + I) via AI. Click on the Copilot button next to an error, and Copilot will help you learn more. If you don’t need this extra help, you can disable it from Edge flags.
Type edge://flags/ in the address bar to open the experimental features. Search for “explain devtools with AI” in the top search bar, and choose Disabled next to Explain DevTools with AI flag. You’ll have to restart the browser for the changes to take effect.
Remove AI features in Notepad
The modern Notepad app has many powerful features, and it didn’t take long for Microsoft to add AI features to it. While taking notes, you can click on the Rewrite button in the top-right corner to rewrite the content or change the tone/format via AI. You can remove the button in the Notepad settings if you wish to.
Click on the Notepad settings next to the Rewrite button, and disable the Rewrite option under the AI Features section.
Disable Copilot in Microsoft Office
Whether it is Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, Copilot is now part of the Microsoft Office suite – a dedicated button is always there to quickly access it. Fortunately, you can disable all AI functions from a single option if you don’t want AI in Microsoft Office. While using any of these Office apps, you can disable Copilot by following the below steps.
Navigate to File -> Options, and move to the Copilot section. Uncheck the checkbox next to Enable Copilot. You’ll need to go through these steps for each app individually and must have the latest versions to turn Copilot off.
Bonus: disable AI Scareware blocker
Microsoft Edge has another AI feature: Scareware blocker. At the time of writing, it’s disabled by default, but you may want to make sure it stays that way. It is supposed to detect scareware attempts by analyzing every page you visit, which many users may not want. Find this option in Edge’s settings by going to Privacy, search, and service -> Security -> Scareware blocker.
These steps should minimize AI’s impact and remove Copilot, giving you more control over Windows. That said, Microsoft isn’t slowing down on AI integration, so you may want to explore the amazing things Copilot can do before you remove it.
Image credit: Vecteezy. All screenshots by Karrar Haider.
