With the release of Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has deeply integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into the operating system. While Copilot offers assistance with tasks, settings, and productivity, not every user appreciates its persistent presence. Whether due to privacy concerns, performance optimization, or simply personal preference, you might want Copilot and other AI features out of your system. Below are detailed methods to uninstall Copilot and disable AI features from your Windows 11 24H2 installation.

Uninstall Copilot Completely in Windows 11 24H2

The most straightforward way to remove Copilot in Windows 11 24H2 is by uninstalling it through the system settings. This method completely removes the Copilot application, freeing up system resources and eliminating its presence from your taskbar.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app. Alternatively, click Start and select the gear icon labeled "Settings."

Step 2: Navigate to "Apps," then click on "Installed apps."

Step 3: Scroll down or use the search bar to find "Copilot" in the list of installed applications.

Step 4: Click on the three-dot menu next to Copilot and select "Uninstall." Confirm by clicking "Uninstall" again.

After completing these steps, Copilot will be fully removed from your system. You can confirm this by checking your taskbar and app list to ensure Copilot no longer appears.

Disable Copilot via Group Policy Editor

If you're using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, you have access to the Group Policy Editor, which allows a deeper, system-level disabling of Copilot. This method ensures Copilot remains inactive even after system updates or restarts.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.

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

Step 3: Double-click on the policy labeled "Turn off Windows Copilot."

Step 4: Select "Enabled," click "Apply," then "OK."

Step 5: Restart your computer to apply these changes fully.

This method disables Copilot entirely, ensuring no accidental activations occur. If you ever decide to revert this change, simply set the policy back to "Not Configured" or "Disabled."

Disable Copilot Using the Registry Editor

For users on Windows 11 Home or those without access to the Group Policy Editor, the Registry Editor provides an alternative method. This approach requires caution, as incorrect registry edits can cause system instability.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Step 3: Right-click the "Windows" key, select "New" → "Key," and name it WindowsCopilot.

Step 4: Right-click the new WindowsCopilot key, select "New," then "DWORD (32-bit) Value," and name it TurnOffWindowsCopilot.

Step 5: Double-click on TurnOffWindowsCopilot, set its value to 1, and click "OK."

Step 6: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

This registry edit completely disables Copilot. If you later want to re-enable Copilot, simply change the value back to 0 or delete the WindowsCopilot key entirely.

Remove Copilot from Microsoft Edge Toolbar

Even after removing Copilot from Windows, Microsoft Edge may still show a Copilot button on the toolbar. Here's how to remove it:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then select "Settings."

Step 2: Go to "Copilot and sidebar" → "Copilot."

Step 3: Toggle off the option labeled "Show Copilot button on the toolbar."

This removes the Copilot button and minimizes AI integration within your browsing experience.

Disable AI Features in Microsoft Office Applications

Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint also integrate Copilot. If you prefer not to have AI assistance in these apps, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open any Office application (e.g., Word).

Step 2: Click "File" → "Options," then navigate to the "Copilot" section.

Step 3: Uncheck the box next to "Enable Copilot," then click "OK."

Repeat this process for each Office application individually to ensure Copilot is fully disabled.

Additional Tips for Managing AI Features

  • Regularly check your Windows settings after major updates, as Microsoft may reintroduce or modify AI features.
  • Review and adjust privacy settings related to AI data collection regularly from within system settings.
  • Consider using third-party tools cautiously, as they might not fully remove AI features or could affect system stability.

By following these methods, you can fully remove Copilot and minimize AI integration from your Windows 11 24H2 system. Whether it's for privacy reasons, performance optimization, or personal preference, these steps ensure your system operates exactly as you prefer, without unnecessary AI interference.