Disable Windows Copilot
As part of the Windows 11 update, the Windows Copilot feature was added to Windows 11 and has AI-powered functionality. The following article will help you turn off or disable Windows Copilot in case you are not needed on your Windows 11.
What is Windows Copilot?
A new feature included in the Windows 11 operating system is called Windows Copilot from Microsoft.
It functions as an integrated, artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that is intended to increase user productivity by assisting with tasks, responding to inquiries, and providing contextual support right within Windows.
With the Moment 2 update for Windows 11 version 22H2, which was formally published in September 2023, Windows Copilot was first made available.
This innovation, which builds on earlier tools like Cortana, is the first instance of an AI-powered assistant being embedded directly into the Windows operating system.
Microsoft seeks to integrate AI support into the user experience with Windows Copilot, which offers features akin to ChatGPT’s AI chatbots but is thoroughly integrated into the system to manage activities like productivity tools, system configurations, and more.
Make sure you’re running the most recent updates, especially Windows 11 22H2 or later, if you are on Windows 11 and wish to use Copilot.
How to Access Windows Copilot in Windows 11?
To use Copilot, click on its icon in the Windows taskbar, available on the extreme bottom right of the Windows taskbar.
Moreover, the Windows logo + C is the hotkey to access Windows Copilot in Windows 11.
This will open a side panel with interactive features. It functions as a chat-based system that lets you type commands and inquiries.
How to Disable Windows Copilot in Windows 11?
Depending on whether you want a temporary or permanent solution, you can use one of the following methods to stop Windows Copilot in Windows 11:
Remove Copilot from the Taskbar – Temporary Resolution
You can use the taskbar settings to remove the Windows Copilot icon from your Windows taskbar, not to entirely disable it.
- Navigate to the Windows taskbar and right-click on the taskbar. Select Taskbar Settings
- Under this section, Taskbar items will find Copilot in Windows (preview)
- Toggle the switch to Off
With your above action, the Copilot icon will now be hidden from the taskbar. However, you can still enable it (making the switch to On) at a later time if you wish to use it with a mouse click.
Note: Windows + C keyboard key will still work and you can launch Copilot, even if the icon disappears from the taskbar.
Disable Windows Copilot via Group Policy
The best way to permanently disable Windows Copilot is via the Windows Group Policy Editor.
Note: The following steps work only with the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 11. Group Policy feature is not available in the Home edition.
[Read: List of Useful Windows Run Commands]
- Open the Run dialog box, Press Win + R
- Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter. This command will open the Group Policy Editor.
- Follow this path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot - Double-click on Turn off Windows Copilot, from the right-hand panel
- Set it to Enabled
- Click Apply and OK to save the changes
- Restart your computer for the changes to be in effect.
By doing this, Windows Copilot will no longer be able to run and will be disabled from the taskbar.
Using Windows Home Edition – Disable Copilot via Windows Registry
Home Edition does not have a Group Policy. For users of Windows 11 Home Edition, the Registry Editor can be used to disable Windows Copilot.
- Open Windows Registry Editor. Press Win + R to launch the Run dialog box
- Type regedit and press Enter. Click the Yes if you get the prompt.
- Navigate to the path below:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - On the right side of the given list, locate ShowCopilotButton. Double click on it to open
- By default, the value is set to “1”, change the data value to “0” Zero to turn off Windows Copilot from the Windows taskbar.
- Click OK to save settings and exit Windows Registry Editor.
[Read: How to Move a Windows Taskbar Position?]
Conclusion of the Article:
- Taskbar settings only hide the Copilot icon whereas Win + C shortcut key still launches Windows Copilot.
- Group Policy Editor method will permanently disable Copilot.
- Registry Editor method (for Home Edition) will also permanently disable Copilot.
