Microsoft’s Copilot app now inserts an 'Ask Copilot' entry into the Windows 11 context menu, appearing whenever you right-click on files such as images, PDFs, or text documents. This addition automatically uploads the selected file to Copilot, allowing you to interact with its AI features. However, for users who prefer a cleaner interface or do not use Copilot, this integration can clutter the right-click menu and slow down routine tasks. Removing this menu item restores the context menu to its previous state and prevents accidental uploads to Copilot.

Remove 'Ask Copilot' Using the Windows Registry

The most effective way to remove the 'Ask Copilot' entry from the context menu is by editing the Windows Registry. This method does not require uninstalling the Copilot app and allows you to revert the change if needed. The process blocks the Copilot shell extension responsible for adding the menu item.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter. This opens the Registry Editor. If prompted by User Account Control, choose "Yes" to proceed.

Step 2: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked

If the Blocked key does not exist, right-click on Shell Extensions, select "New" > "Key", and name it Blocked.

Step 3: Right-click in the right pane of the Blocked key and select "New" > "String Value". Name the new value:

{CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}

Step 4: Double-click this new string value and set its data to:

Ask Copilot

This blocks the Copilot extension from appearing in the context menu for your user account.

Step 5: Close the Registry Editor. For the change to take effect, restart Windows Explorer. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, locate "Windows Explorer" in the list, right-click it, and select "Restart." Alternatively, you can reboot your PC.

After completing these steps, the 'Ask Copilot' option will no longer appear when you right-click files in File Explorer or on the desktop.

Remove 'Ask Copilot' for All Users via the Registry

To remove the context menu entry for all users on the system, repeat the Registry process under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive. This method requires administrator privileges and is ideal for shared or multi-user computers.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor as an administrator. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. If prompted, confirm with "Yes."

Step 2: Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked

If the Blocked key is missing, create it as described above.

Step 3: Right-click the right pane, select "New" > "String Value", and name it {CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}.

Step 4: Double-click the new value and enter Ask Copilot as its data.

Step 5: Close Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer or your computer to apply the change.

This blocks the Copilot context menu entry for all user accounts on the device.

Uninstall the Copilot App

Completely removing the Copilot app from your system also deletes the 'Ask Copilot' option from the context menu. This approach is suitable if you have no need for Copilot’s AI features across Windows.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Apps" > "Installed apps."

Step 2: Scroll through the list or use the search bar to locate "Copilot."

Step 3: Click the three-dot menu next to Copilot and select "Uninstall." Confirm any prompts to remove the app.

Step 4: Restart your PC to ensure all context menu entries and background processes are removed.

Note: Uninstalling Copilot removes all its integrations, not just the context menu entry. If you only wish to tidy up the right-click menu but still want Copilot available, use the Registry method instead.

Disable Copilot Using Group Policy (Windows Pro, Enterprise, Education)

On supported editions of Windows, you can disable Copilot system-wide with Group Policy Editor, which also removes related UI elements.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot.

Step 3: Double-click "Turn off Windows Copilot," select "Enabled," then click "Apply" and "OK."

Step 4: Restart your computer for the policy to take effect.

This method disables Copilot features, including the context menu entry, but is not available on Windows Home editions unless you install a third-party policy editor.

Removing the 'Ask Copilot' entry streamlines your workflow and restores the context menu’s previous speed and simplicity. For most users, the Registry method is the quickest and most reliable way to achieve this result without uninstalling Copilot entirely.