How to Remove Copilot and Other AI Tools from Windows 11 (2026 Guide)

In practice, the battle against AI integration comes down to three levels:

• Hiding (Cosmetic – keeping it out of sight).
• Uninstalling (Removing the application).
• Blocking (Preventing its return – crucial for advanced users).

Below is a complete guide, arranged from the most painless to the most radical methods.

⚠️ Before You Start: 2 Minutes That Will Save Your Nerves

Before making any changes to system files:

1. Create a “System Restore Point”: If you delete the wrong registry key, this is your ticket back.
2. System Version Matters: This guide is primarily for Windows 11 22H2 and newer versions. Microsoft constantly changes names and paths, so some options may differ if you haven’t updated your system.
3. Home vs. Pro: Windows 11 Home users do not have access to certain tools (like AppLocker) that are available on Pro and Enterprise editions.

Level 1: Hiding from the Interface (Fastest and Risk-Free)

This is a “cosmetic” procedure. Copilot remains on the system but stops waving at you from the screen.

A) Removing from the Taskbar

1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar.
2. Find the Copilot item (or Copilot (preview) on older versions).
3. Simply toggle the switch to Off.

B) Disabling “Ask Copilot”

Some newer Windows builds insert Copilot suggestions directly into search or contextual menus. In the same menu (Personalization → Taskbar), look for options related to search and disable AI suggestions.

• What you get: A clean screen.
• What you don’t get: Copilot is still installed and can be activated via shortcuts or other apps.

Level 2: Uninstalling the Copilot App

The good news for 2026 is that Microsoft, under regulatory pressure, has started shipping Copilot as a standard application, meaning it can be uninstalled more easily than before.

Method 1: Via Settings (Cleanest)

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Type “Copilot” in the search bar.
3. Click on the three dots next to the app and select Uninstall.

Method 2: PowerShell (If the “Uninstall” button is greyed out)

On some systems, the uninstall option is locked. This is where PowerShell comes in.

1. Right-click the Start menu, select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Run as Administrator).
2. Enter the following command to find the exact package name:

   $packageFullName = Get-AppxPackage -Name "Microsoft.Copilot" | Select-Object -ExpandProperty PackageFullName

3. Then enter the command to remove it:

   Remove-AppxPackage -Package $packageFullName

Level 3: Permanent Blocking (For Pro/Enterprise Users)

If you are a system administrator or simply don’t want Copilot to return with the next Windows Update, this is the key step.

Forget the Old “Group Policy”?

Until recently, the advice was to use the TurnOffWindowsCopilot policy. However, Microsoft is slowly deprecating this method, and it is no longer reliable on newer versions.

New Solution: AppLocker

Microsoft now explicitly recommends AppLocker as the only secure way to prevent Copilot execution. AppLocker can:

• Prevent the installation of the app.
• Block its launch if it’s already there.

Note: Configuring AppLocker is an advanced process done through “Local Security Policy” (secpol.msc) and creating rules for “Packaged app Rules,” where “Microsoft.Copilot” is explicitly denied.

Level 4: Cleaning Microsoft Edge

Even when you clean Windows, Edge remains a “Trojan Horse” for AI functions.

A) Remove the Button from the Toolbar

1. In Edge, go to Settings → Appearance.
2. Scroll down to the Copilot and sidebar section.
3. Toggle off Show Copilot button on the toolbar.

B) Disable the Sidebar

In the same menu, you can completely disable the Sidebar so it doesn’t distract you.

C) Privacy

In the Privacy, search, and services section, pay attention to options that allow Microsoft to use your data to train AI models and disable them.

Level 5: Office Suite and Other AI Tools

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Copilot in Office is tied to your subscription and account, but you can disable it locally:

• Go to File → Options → Copilot (or General in some versions).
• Uncheck Enable Copilot.
• Restart the application.

Paint and Photos (Cocreator)

New tools in Paint (like Generative Fill or Cocreator) are part of the application itself. The only way to remove them is by reverting to an older version of the Paint app or blocking internet access for the app via Firewall, as AI generation requires a cloud connection.

Recall (Activity Memory)

This controversial feature is mostly reserved for new “Copilot+ PC” devices. If you have it, it can (for now) be disabled in Settings → Privacy & security → Activity history.

Level 6: The “Nuclear Option”: Third-Party Scripts

Regional portals and forums (such as Benchmark or Reddit) often share scripts that disable all AI functions with “one click” (e.g., tools like RemoveWindowsAI or Chris Titus Tech tool).

Our Advice: Be cautious. Although these scripts are effective, they often modify hundreds of Registry keys at once.

• Advantage: Speed.
• Risk: They can “break” Windows Update or other system functions. Use them only if you understand what the code does and have a backup ready.

Relevant Sources and Further Reading

For those who want to verify technical details, we recommend the following sources used in creating this guide:

• Microsoft Learn: Managing Copilot experience and AppLocker guidelines
• Microsoft Support: How to disable Copilot in Microsoft 365 subscriptions
• Community Discussions & Guides:
  • Balkan Buzz – Removal Guide (Source)
  • Benchmark.rs – Script Discussion
  • PC Chip – UI Instructions