Removing Copilot from Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it kinda feels like Windows has to make it more complicated than it should be. If Copilot is bugging you, hogging resources, or just cluttering up your screen, uninstalling it can be straightforward—if you know where to look. Plus, freeing up space and resources on your machine might just give it a speed boost. The whole process is pretty similar to uninstalling any other app, but there are a few quirks to watch out for, especially if it refuses to go quietly. These tips should help tame it down without the need for digging into obscure settings or using command lines—and yes, sometimes Windows needs a little nudge to fully clean up apps like this.
How to Remove Copilot from Windows 11
Start by opening Settings
You’ll want to kick things off by going to Settings. The quickest way is hitting Windows + I. Alternatively, click on the Start button and hit the gear icon. Settings is basically your hub for managing everything from updates to apps. It’s where the magic happens for removing unwanted apps like Copilot.
Head over to Apps & Features
In Settings, find and click on Apps on the sidebar, then select Installed apps. This page lists everything you’ve installed. If Copilot is stubborn and doesn’t show up right away, double-check if it’s called something similar or maybe managed through a different component like a Windows feature—sometimes these “AI assistants” hide in plain sight.
Locate Copilot in the list
Scroll through the apps until you spot Copilot. The list is usually sorted alphabetically, so it shouldn’t take forever, but if you have a mountain of apps, you might need to do a quick search or use the find box. When you find it, click on it—here’s where the fun begins.
Hit Uninstall and confirm
Click Uninstall. Expect a prompt asking for confirmation—probably a UAC (User Account Control) window. Confirm you want to remove it. On some setups, it might pop up additional prompts, or Windows might want to restart a couple of times, so don’t be surprised if it acts a bit finicky. Making sure Copilot isn’t running in the background before uninstalling can save some headaches—so, if it’s open, close it first.
Follow the uninstall wizard and restart if needed
Follow any extra prompts to finish the job. Sometimes Windows will ask you if you want to remove related files—say, preferences or cache. It’s not always necessary, but it can help keep things tidy. After it’s done, a quick restart can make sure everything related to Copilot is gone—because, of course, Windows has to be extra about leaving remnants behind. On one machine it worked like charm, on another I had to do a reboot twice for it to fully disappear, so yeah, sometimes you gotta be patient.
Tips for Making It Stick
- Close Copilot before uninstalling—otherwise, Windows throws a fit and might refuse to uninstall cleanly.
- After uninstall, restart your PC to clean out active hooks or background services.
- Keep your system updated because sometimes minor Windows updates fix weird uninstalling issues.
- If Copilot stubbornly refuses to go, tools like Winhance or specialized uninstallers might help clean leftover files.
FAQs You Might Encounter
Can I reinstall Copilot afterward?
Yeah, if the mood strikes, just head to the official source or Microsoft Store, and it’s a breeze to get it back.
Will removing Copilot improve my PC performance?
Probably, especially if it was running in the background unnecessarily. Less stuff running means fewer resources hogged.
Is this process reversible?
Reinstalling is simple—just download again. Uninstalling doesn’t trash your system, so no worries
A quick note on risks—anything dangerous?
Minimal, as long as you stick to the official sources. Don’t start deleting system files manually unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
Do I need admin rights?
Yep, uninstalling apps on Windows usually needs admin privileges. If you’re locked out, try running Settings as administrator or ask for permission.
Summary
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Copilot.
- Click Uninstall.
- Follow the prompts and restart if it asks.
Wrap-up
Honestly, removing Copilot isn’t that bad once you know where to look. It’s kind of a relief to get rid of those extra apps if they’re not needed, especially when they’re cluttering up your workflow or eating resources. Sometimes Windows throws up extra hurdles, but mostly, it’s straightforward. If you’re tired of seeing Copilot all over your screen or just want to streamline your experience, these steps should do the trick.
Hopefully, this saves a bit of hassle for someone out there. Just something that worked for me across a couple of different setups — fingers crossed it helps yours too.