Trying to shut off the Copilot preview in Windows 11? It’s not exactly a walk in the park, but honestly, some of these settings are a bit tucked away. You’d think flipping off a feature would be dead easy, but nope — Windows loves hiding things behind menus that aren’t always obvious. Here’s how to do it without pulling your hair out.
Step-by-step guide to turn off Copilot preview in Windows 11
This little walkthrough will help you get rid of the Copilot preview so it doesn’t pop up every few seconds. Unless you’re into AI helpers barging in all the time, it’s probably best to just turn it off.
Step 1: Open the Settings app
First up, click the Start menu or press Win + S and type Settings. Or just hit the gear icon if it’s floating around. You want in quick before Copilot tries to grab your focus again.
On some setups, this step might take a couple of goes — Windows can be a bit slow or quirky for no good reason — so patience is key. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can also open Settings directly by pressing Win + I.
Step 2: Head to System
Once you’re in Settings, click on System. It’s usually at the top of the list — the main bit where all the basic hardware and notification stuff lives. This is also where Copilot tends to hide.
Step 3: Find Notifications & Actions
Next, look on the left and click Notifications & Actions. This controls how alerts pop up, and yep, some of those sneaky AI features like Copilot like to hide here.
Fun fact: On some builds, this menu might look a bit different, or you might need to scroll down — that’s just how Microsoft rolls. No biggie.
Step 4: Switch off Copilot Preview
Scroll until you see Copilot Preview. When you find it, just flick the switch off. It’s usually a tiny toggle you can click with your mouse or navigate to with the keyboard if you’re into that.
This is the important bit — turning this off stops Copilot from bothering you with suggestions or popping up notifications. Simple as that, but of course, Windows likes to make things a bit fiddly sometimes.
Step 5: Close Settings and relax
Just close out of Settings — no need to save or anything, Windows does that automatically. After closing, Copilot should stay out of your hair.
In some cases, you might need to reboot or sign out and back in for the change to really stick — especially if it’s still showing hints or panels. Worth a restart if it’s being stubborn.
Tips and things to bear in mind
- Check for Windows updates: Sometimes newer versions change where stuff lives or add new options. Just run Windows Update to be sure.
- Explore other options: Disabling Copilot might free up some room for alternative tools. Maybe replace it with a different assistant or turn off notifications entirely if that’s more your style.
- Features may vary: Not all versions of Windows 11 will have Copilot available right away, or it might be hidden behind future updates. Keep an eye on official docs or forums if things look different.
- Sometimes a restart helps: After turning it off, the AI might keep sneaking back — a quick reboot or sign-out usually sorts it.
FAQs
What’s Copilot in Windows 11?
It’s basically Microsoft’s AI buddy, meant to help out with chores or suggestions. Looks kinda like a sidebar or overlay sometimes — like having an AI mate hanging around — but honestly, for some folks, it’s more annoying than useful.
Is turning it off permanent?
Nah, no worries — you can switch it back on if you change your mind. Just head back into the same menu and flick the switch again.
Will turning it off slow down my system?
Almost definitely not. It’s more about keeping your workspace tidy and less about performance. Turning it off should give you a cleaner desktop and fewer interruptions.
Can I just customise Copilot instead of turning it off?
There might be limited options, depending on your Windows version. Some settings could let you tweak its behaviour, but if you want it gone, turning it off is usually the easiest way.
Why can’t I find the Copilot toggle?
If it’s missing, your Windows might be behind on updates or the feature isn’t rolling out to your region or device yet. Make sure your Windows is up to date — that’s often where the issue lies.
Summary: How to turn off Copilot in Windows 11
- Open Settings (Win + I is a quick shortcut).
- Go to System.
- Click on Notifications & Actions.
- Find and flick off Copilot Preview.
- Close Settings — all done.
Hopefully this makes things a bit easier for someone. Windows can be a pain digging through menus, but once it’s off, your screen’s a lot clearer and it’s a lot less annoying. And of course, you can turn it back on anytime if you need. Good luck, mate.