Turning off Copilot in Windows 11 can be a bit of a hassle, especially since Microsoft’s made it trickier to disable some features lately. Sometimes it’s nagging you with suggestions, or it’s running in the background and gobbling up resources, which can be a pain. But don’t worry — it’s not as hard as it looks. Just a few quick tweaks and you’re back in control. Doing this can help speed things up, save battery, and clear out all the unnecessary background clutter. Keep in mind, on some setups, you might need to restart your PC after, and the options could change after updates, so be aware.
How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11
Method 1: Use Settings to Turn Off Copilot
This is the easiest way because it’s built right into Windows. Basically, you’re telling Windows you don’t want Copilot popping up or running in the background. Ideal if it’s feeling a bit intrusive or if you prefer a leaner system. You’ll see Copilot disappear from the main interface, freeing up some grunt. Just a heads up — on some PCs, you might need to restart for the change to kick in.
- Open Settings: click the Start button, then hit the gear icon (or press Win + I).
- Go to Apps & Features from the sidebar or search bar. Sometimes it’s under Apps & Features directly or inside Installed apps.
- Click on Optional Features. On newer builds, it’s under Apps & Features > Optional Features.
- Scroll till you find Windows Copilot. It might have a different name if your system’s updated; look for anything related to “Copilot” or “AI Suggestions.”
- Click on it, then choose Uninstall or toggle it off if the option’s available. Sometimes, Microsoft doesn’t give you a toggle — you might need to uninstall or disable it via PowerShell afterwards.
The idea is to stop Windows from managing or launching Copilot in the background. On some setups, this might not fully disable it, so you might need to try another method if it’s being stubborn.
Method 2: Use PowerShell to Force the Disable
If the Settings method doesn’t do the trick, you can try PowerShell. This approach directly targets the feature’s package, basically telling Windows to remove or disable it completely. It’s a bit raw, but generally works when Windows refuses to turn off Copilot through the GUI. Keep in mind, it’ll remove the feature entirely, freeing up resources, but it’ll be trickier to turn it back on without reinstalling or restoring a backup.
- Right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or search for PowerShell and run it as administrator.
- Type this command to uninstall the Copilot package:
Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftCorporationII.WindowsCopilot* | Remove-AppxPackageGet-AppxPackage -Name *MicrosoftCorporationII.WindowsCopilot*This method can cause issues if Windows updates or repairs the package later, so use with care. Also, some corporate policies or security settings might block these commands, so if they don’t work, you might need to disable certain protections first.
Option 3: Tweak the Registry (Last Resort)
If all else fails and you’re comfortable editing the registry, you can try disabling Copilot through Regedit. Not the safest option, but it can work if the feature really won’t go away. Just make sure to back up your registry first — mistakes here can cause issues with your system.
- Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System.
- If there’s no key related to Copilot, you might need to create a DWORD (32-bit) value called EnableCopilot.
- Set the value to 0 to turn it off.
- Close Regedit and restart your PC to see if it’s disappeared.
Bear in mind, Microsoft often moves or changes registry keys with updates, so this might not stick forever.
Tips for Turning Off Copilot in Windows 11
- Back up your data before messing around with system settings — better safe than sorry.
- Check if disabling Copilot will affect any features you actually need. Sometimes it’s tied into other parts of Windows and turning it off might cause hiccups.
- If you want to turn it back on, just follow the same steps in reverse—if possible.
- Keep Windows updated — sometimes updates can re-enable features or change settings, so check if Copilot’s still off after big updates.
- Consider turning off other background apps you don’t need for better speed and battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn Copilot back on later?
Yeah, just follow the same steps as before—whether reinstalling via PowerShell or enabling it in Settings—and it should come back. Sometimes, you might need to dig a bit if you’ve used advanced methods.
Will turning off Copilot make my PC faster?
Most likely. It stops background activity and frees up resources, so your system might run a bit smoother. But if your hardware’s old, don’t expect miracles.
Is it safe to do this stuff?
Generally, yes — especially if you’re just turning off a feature you don’t want. Just be careful with registry edits or PowerShell commands, since messing up can cause issues.
Will it delete any files?
Nope, just the feature gets turned off. Your personal data stays safe.
Does turning off Copilot help save battery?
It can, since it reduces background activity, especially on laptops and tablets.
Summary
- You can disable or uninstall Copilot via Settings or PowerShell.
- If you know your way around, registry tweaks are an option — but back up first.
- Don’t forget to restart your PC after making changes to make sure they stick.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of Copilot isn’t too tricky, but Microsoft doesn’t exactly make it simple. Pick the method that suits your comfort level—whether through Settings, PowerShell, or registry hacks. Sometimes you’ll need a bit of trial and error, but mostly it’s worth it if you want a faster, cleaner Windows. Hope this helps someone avoid the hassle and save a bit of system juice!