Getting rid of Copilot on Windows 11 might seem a bit of a hassle at first, but honestly, it’s not too bad once you know where to look. Sometimes, Copilot pops up in weird spots or comes bundled with a big update, so removing it can feel a tad fiddly. Whether you’re clearing up space, fixing some weird bugs, or just don’t want that feature hanging around, this guide should help you bin it. By the end, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner, and your system should run a bit smoother.
How to Uninstall Copilot on Windows 11
Removing Copilot is pretty straightforward, but the tricky bit is actually finding it, because Windows doesn’t always make that obvious. Sometimes, it’s like searching for a ghost in your apps list, or it’s tucked away in the background. The goal here is to delete any bits that might be slowing your PC down or causing grief. Expect some prompts, a couple of dialogs, and maybe a minor error or two—so don’t get worked up if it’s a bit wonky first go. Just give it another crack.
Method 1: Via Settings App
– Open Settings:
Just press Windows + I or click on the gear icon from the Start menu. If you’re feeling lazy, just go Start > Settings.
This opens the control panel where you can tweak apps, updates, and all that jazz.
– Go to Apps:
In Settings, click on Apps and then select Installed apps (sometimes called “Apps & Features”, depending on your build). This list shows everything installed on your PC, including some stuff from the Microsoft Store.
– Find Copilot:
Scroll down or use the search bar to look for “Copilot”. It might not be obvious—it could be under a different name or grouped with other Windows features. If it’s not there, double-check whether it’s part of a bigger update or integrated into Windows itself.
– Uninstall:
Once you spot it, click on it, then hit the Uninstall button. A confirmation might pop up—just click Uninstall again. Sometimes, Windows needs a quick run to clean up residual files or ask for permission.
– Follow prompts:
There might be extra instructions, especially if it was part of a large update or bundled in with other features. Just follow what’s asked and let it do its thing.
This method works when Copilot’s listed normally and usually clears out most of it. If it’s missing, don’t stress—it might be hiding elsewhere.
Method 2: Using PowerShell or Command Line
If the GUI method doesn’t do the trick, you can give PowerShell a shot. Sometimes, Windows is a bit sneaky with built-in features.
– Open PowerShell as Admin:
Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click, and select Run as administrator. Confirm any prompts.
– Run the uninstallation command:
You might need to find the exact package name for Copilot using Get-AppxPackage. You can try something like:
Get-AppxPackage *copilot* | Remove-AppxPackage– Why do this:
It’s handy if Copilot doesn’t show up in Settings or if it’s a Store app linked to your account.
– When to use:
If Copilot was installed via the Microsoft Store or is deeply embedded, this often does the trick.
– Expect:
Running the command might fully remove the app, but sometimes you need to know its exact package name first. It can have a weird name or version number.
Be aware that some setups might require other tweaks or system tweaks, so it can get a bit wonky.
Tips for Uninstalling Copilot on Windows 11
- Make sure your Windows is fully up to date before you start—sometimes, updates fix bugs that get in the way of uninstalling.
- Check Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) for any processes named “Copilot” or similar and end them if they’re still running. Windows loves to hide stuff away.
- It’s a good idea to set a system restore point beforehand. If something goes sideways, you can roll back quick as a flash.
- If you get errors during uninstall, restart your PC and try again. Sometimes a quick reboot clears out stuck processes or caches.
- Keep your graphics and system drivers up to scratch—can save you from hiccups during uninstalling.
FAQs
Is uninstalling Copilot safe?
Yeah, no worries. It’s like deleting any other app—no major risks unless you start removing core Windows bits. Just be mindful that if Windows updates or if it’s built into the OS, there might be some leftovers unless you do a proper cleanup. But for most of us, it’s safe and easy.
What if I can’t find it in the list?
If it’s playing hide and seek, it might be tucked away in system files or part of a Windows feature. You might need PowerShell or third-party tools to tidy it up. Sometimes, a full system search with Explorer helps, or it could have been renamed.
Can I reinstall Copilot later?
Most likely, yeah. You can grab it again from the Microsoft Store or through Windows updates. Changing your mind is easy, so no worries there.
Will uninstalling free up space?
It should, but probably not heaps. It depends on the size of your Copilot install and if anything is left behind. Still, every bit helps in the ol’ system cleanup.
What if an error pops up during uninstall?
If that happens, give your PC a quick restart and try again. If it keeps happening, you might need to run Windows repair tools like DISM or SFC /Scannow to sort out any system glitches.
Summary
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Look for Copilot—search or browse if needed.
- Hit uninstall and follow the prompts.
- If it’s playing hard to get, try PowerShell or command line.
Wrap-up
Removing Copilot isn’t some hidden magic; it’s pretty straightforward, but sometimes it’s a bit sneaky if it’s deeply integrated or hidden behind updates. Usually, sticking with Settings and the standard uninstall does the trick. Just be mindful that Windows might throw a spanner in the works, so a quick reboot or a bit of searching might be needed. Hopefully, this helps someone get a bit more speed on their machine — fingers crossed it works a treat!