Getting rid of Copilot from Windows 11 isn’t a big deal, but it sometimes feels like Windows makes it a bit trickier than it needs to be. If Copilot’s bugging you, taking up resources, or just cluttering your screen, uninstalling it can be pretty straightforward — if you know where to look. Plus, clearing it out might free up some space and juice, giving your PC a bit of a boost. The process is similar to removing any other app, but there are a couple of quirks to watch out for, especially if it doesn’t want to go quietly. These tips should help you shut it down without having to dive into obscure settings or use command prompts — sometimes Windows just needs a little push to fully get rid of these apps.
How to Remove Copilot from Windows 11
Start by opening Settings
You’ll want to kick things off by heading to Settings. The quickest way is pressing Windows + I. Alternatively, click the Start button and then the gear icon. Settings is your go-to spot for managing updates, apps, and more. It’s where the magic happens for removing pesky apps like Copilot.
Go to Apps & Features
In Settings, find and click on Apps on the sidebar, then pick Installed apps. This page lists everything you’ve installed. If Copilot’s being stubborn and doesn’t show up right away, double-check if it’s called something similar or maybe managed through a different part of Windows — sometimes these AI assistants hide in plain sight.
Find Copilot in the list
Scroll through the apps until you see Copilot. The list’s usually alphabetical, so it shouldn’t take too long, but if you’ve got heaps of apps, you might want to use the search box. When you spot it, click on it — here’s where the fun begins.
Click Uninstall and confirm
Hit Uninstall. You’ll likely get a confirmation prompt — probably a User Account Control (UAC) window. Confirm you want to remove it. On some setups, there might be extra prompts, or Windows might ask for a restart a couple of times, so don’t be surprised if it acts a bit funny. It helps to close Copilot first if it’s open — doing that beforehand makes things smoother.
Follow the uninstall wizard and restart if needed
Just follow any extra prompts to finish the job. Sometimes Windows asks if you want to remove related files — like preferences or cache. It’s not always necessary, but it’s a good idea if you want to tidy up. Once done, a quick restart can help ensure everything linked to Copilot is gone — because, of course, Windows can be extra thorough. One machine I used it on worked like a charm; on another, I had to reboot twice. So, yeah, patience is key sometimes.
Tips to Make It Stick
- Close Copilot before uninstalling — otherwise, Windows might throw a fit and won’t uninstall cleanly.
- After uninstall, restart your PC to clear out background processes.
- Keep Windows up to date — sometimes updates fix weird uninstall issues.
- If Copilot’s being stubborn, tools like Winhance or specific uninstallers can help tidy up leftovers.
FAQs You Might Come Across
Can I reinstall Copilot later?
Absolutely. Just head to the official Microsoft Store or the relevant source, and it’s easy enough to get it back if you change your mind.
Will removing Copilot speed up my PC?
Most likely, especially if it was running in the background unnecessarily. Less running apps means less resource hogging.
Is this process reversible?
Yep — reinstalling is as simple as downloading it again. Removing it doesn’t mess up your system, so no worries there.
Is there any risk involved?
Very minimal, as long as you stick to the official sources. Just avoid manually fiddling with system files unless you’re confident you know what you’re doing.
Do I need admin rights?
Yep. Installing or removing apps on Windows usually needs admin permissions. If you’re locked out, try running Settings as an admin or ask someone with permissions.
Summary
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Copilot.
- Click Uninstall.
- Follow the prompts and restart if prompted.
Wrapping Up
Honestly, removing Copilot isn’t too bad once you know where to look. Clearning out apps you don’t need can be a real relief, especially if they clutter up your workflow or chew through resources. Sometimes Windows throws in a few extra hurdles, but mostly, it’s a straightforward process. If you’re over seeing Copilot pop up all the time or just want a cleaner experience, these steps should do the trick.
Hope this helps save some hassle. It worked for me across a couple of setups — fingers crossed it’ll do the same for yours, too.