Copilot is an integrated feature in Windows 11 designed to assist users with various tasks, leveraging artificial intelligence to provide suggestions and automate processes. While it offers convenience, some users may prefer to remove it due to privacy concerns, system performance, or personal preference.
Disabling Copilot via System Settings
The first step in removing Copilot is to disable it through the system settings. This method is straightforward and does not require advanced technical knowledge.
Step 1: Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to System and then select Notifications & actions.
Step 3: Scroll down to find the Copilot section and toggle the switch to Off.
Disabling Copilot through the settings will stop it from running in the background, but it may not remove all associated files. For a complete removal, further steps are necessary.
Manually Removing Copilot Files
To ensure Copilot is completely removed, you may need to manually delete its associated files. This process requires administrative privileges and a basic understanding of the Windows file system.
Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps.
Step 2: Locate the folder named Microsoft.Copilot or similar. Right-click on it and select Delete.
Step 3: Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove the files.
Be cautious when deleting files from the WindowsApps directory, as removing the wrong files can cause system instability.
Modifying the Registry to Remove Copilot
For advanced users, modifying the Windows Registry can ensure that Copilot is completely removed from the system. This method should be approached with caution, as incorrect changes to the registry can cause serious system issues.
Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Copilot.
Step 3: Right-click on the Copilot key and select Delete.
After deleting the registry key, restart your computer to apply the changes. This should prevent Copilot from being reinstalled or reactivated by system updates.
Using PowerShell to Remove Copilot
PowerShell is a powerful tool that can be used to remove Copilot from Windows 11. This method is suitable for users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as an administrator by searching for it in the Start menu, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator.
Step 2: Enter the following command to remove Copilot: Get-AppxPackage *Copilot* | Remove-AppxPackage.
Step 3: Press Enter to execute the command. PowerShell will remove the Copilot package from your system.
This method is effective for removing Copilot, but it may not delete all residual files. Combining this with manual file deletion ensures a more thorough removal.
Preventing Copilot from Reinstalling
After removing Copilot, you may want to prevent it from being reinstalled during system updates. This can be achieved by modifying group policies or using third-party tools to block specific updates.
Step 1: Open the Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R, typing gpedit.msc, and pressing Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Copilot.
Step 3: Double-click on Prevent Copilot from being installed and set it to Enabled.
This policy setting will prevent Copilot from being reinstalled during future updates, ensuring that your system remains free of the feature.
Final Considerations
Removing Copilot from Windows 11 is a multi-step process that involves disabling the feature, deleting associated files, and modifying system settings. While these steps are effective, they require careful execution to avoid unintended consequences.