Copilot keeps showing up in microsoft apps. How do I stop AI features from showing up inside microsoft apps entirely?

I totally get how frustrated you must be - you are not the only one who feels overwhelmed by the prospect of more and more AI-assistance, such as Copilot, being integrated into Windows applications. This is what you need to know and this is what you can do:

How to Turn off or Minimize Copilot and AI in Microsoft Apps:

1. Registry + Group Policy (You probably already tried this):

• On Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy Editor:
• gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot
• Set Turn off Windows Copilot to Enabled
• Or in the registry:
• [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot] "TurnOffWindowsCopilot"=dword:00000001

2. Disabled AI Features on Individual apps (such as Paint & Notepad):

• Unfortunately, Microsoft has not gave global options to disable AI across all applications.
• There are apps (Paint, Notepad) that do not give an option to turn off AI elements unless you are handling systems using enterprise-level management tools.

3. Uninstall Copilot Through PowerShell:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator and run: winget uninstall "Microsoft Windows Copilot"
• This command might not be effective on every version and even in that case, Copilot may come back through updates in future.

4. Manage Windows Telemetry and Data Collection :

• Go to Settings Privacy & Security Diagnostics & Feedback
• Disable optional diagnostics and custom experiences.
• Such utilities tools like O&O ShutUp10++ or enterprise-level solutions from Wroffy **** will assist you in securing privacy on systems.

Final Note:

In Windows, Microsoft does not yet provide an AI universal opt-out. The existing solutions are partial and many are update-dependent. We are completely on board with giving the user control over the behavior of the system, as well as the privacy of their data - and we would love to see an option in a future update that will allow a genuine global switch to AI features.

Hello Klepdar,

Welcome to the Microsoft community. 

Here’s what you can do right now: 
1. Disabling AI Features and Telemetry (Current Limits): 

Registry Edits: You’ve already edited the registry to disable Copilot and related features. Unfortunately, Microsoft has started to ignore or override many of these settings in recent updates. 

Group Policy: If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise### 1. Disabling Copilot and AI Features 

Registry Edits: You’ve already tried disabling Copilot via the registry. This generally works for the Copilot button and some integrations, but not always for all apps. 

Group Policy: If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, use the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to disable Copilot and other features: 

• User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot 
  Set “Turn, you can use Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to disable certain features (e.g., Copilot, cloud content, online search). However, some settings are now ignored or reset by updates.

Uninstalling Apps: You can uninstall Notepad, Paint, and other apps via Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, but sometimes they are reinstalled after updates. 

Firewall Rules: You can block outbound connections for specific apps or for Windows system processes using Windows Firewall or a third-party firewall. However, some telemetry is embedded at a low level and is hard to block entirely. 

**Privacy Tools off Windows Copilot” to Enabled. 

Uninstall Updates: Some AI features come via app updates from the Microsoft Store. You can try uninstalling recent updates to Notepad or Paint, but they may reinstall automatically. 

2. Restricting Telemetry and Data Collection 

Privacy Settings: 

Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics &:** Tools like O&O ShutUp10++ or W10Privacy can help disable many telemetry and AI features, but even these can’t guarantee full removal or blocking, as Microsoft may re-enable them. 

Data Collection Concerns 

You are correct that many users feel Microsoft’s data collection is excessive and not   clearly opt-in. The only way feedback 
  Set to “Required diagnostic data only” (the lowest allowed). 

Turn off “Send optional diagnostic data,” “Tailored experiences,” and “Improve inking & typing.” 

Block via Hosts File or Firewall: 

Add Microsoft telemetry domains to your hosts file or block them via a firewall (e.g., this list). 

Note: This can break some features and is not officially supported. 

O&O ShutUp10++: 

This free tool (link) lets you easily toggle many privacy and telemetry options. 

4. Alternative Solutions 

Use Portable or Third-Party Apps: 

Replace Notepad with Notepad++ or Paint with Paint.NET, which to truly avoid this is to use a different operating system (e.g., Linux), as Windows 11 is designed with these features deeply integrated. 

Switch to Windows LTSC: 

Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions of Windows have fewer bundled apps and less frequent feature changes but are intended for enterprise use. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Nam-D - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.