Apps Completely Disable and Remove Copilot in Windows 11


Copilot_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to completely disable the Windows Copilot preview feature and remove Copilot from the taskbar, Windows Search, and Microsoft Edge for all users in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Copilot in Windows provides centralized generative AI assistance to your users right from the Windows desktop. Copilot in Windows appears as a side bar docked on the Windows desktop and is designed to help users get things done in Windows. Copilot in Windows can perform common tasks in Windows like changing Windows settings, which makes it different from the browser-based Copilot in Edge. However, both user experiences, Copilot in Windows and Copilot in Edge, can share the same underlying chat provider platform.

References:

You must be signed in as an administrator to disable and remove Copilot.

This will also disable the sidebar in Microsoft Edge.


Disabling Copilot will also disable Secure DNS in Microsoft Edge.

However, you can still set and use DoT or DoH in Windows 11. This will be the same as having Secure DNS in Microsoft Edge set to "Use current service provider".


This tutorial will no longer work to disable/remove the new Copilot app that can be uninstalled instead. It will still disable/remove Copilot from Search and Edge.

Starting with Windows 11 build 22631.3810 and Windows 10 build 19045.4593 (RP and Beta) Microsoft is evolving the Copilot** experience on Windows as an app that will be pinned to the taskbar. This enables users to get the benefits of a traditional app experience, including the ability to resize, move, and snap the window.



EXAMPLE: Copilot on taskbar, Windows Search, and in Microsoft Edge

Copilot in Windows Search is only available in Windows 11 currently.


Copilot_on_taskbar_corner.png

Copilot_on_Windows_Search.jpg
Copilot_in_Microosft_Edge.png



Here's How:

1 Do step 2 (disable/remove) or step 3 (undo) below for what you would like to do.

2 Disable and Remove Copilot for All Users

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Disable_and_remove_Copilot_for_all_users.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
"TurnOffWindowsCopilot"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
"TurnOffWindowsCopilot"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge]
"HubsSidebarEnabled"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableSearchBoxSuggestions"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableSearchBoxSuggestions"=dword:00000001

3 Undo Disable and Remove Copilot for All Users

This is the default setting


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Undo_disable_and_remove_Copilot_for_all_users.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
"TurnOffWindowsCopilot"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
"TurnOffWindowsCopilot"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge]
"HubsSidebarEnabled"=-

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableSearchBoxSuggestions"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableSearchBoxSuggestions"=-

4 Save the REG file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded REG file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 Either restart explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded REG file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

Last edited:
I removed the contents of the data key from the path below. After that, Microsoft Copilot Pro, Microsoft 365 Family, PC Game Pass ads were removed from Settings.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AccountsService\Subscriptions
Can someone inform me about the safety of removing this key? Has anyone tried removing it?

The image after deleting the contents of the "Data" key.
Screenshot 2024-07-12 191300.png


Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I removed the contents of the data key from the path below. After that, Microsoft Copilot Pro, Microsoft 365 Family, PC Game Pass ads were removed from Settings.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AccountsService\Subscriptions
Can someone inform me about the safety of removing this key? Has anyone tried removing it?

The image after deleting the contents of the "Data" key.
View attachment 101222

Thanks
It should be safe to delete to remove this info under Settings > Accounts.

I'm not sure if it will just automatically get repopulated in the future though.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
It should be safe to delete to remove this info under Settings > Accounts.

I'm not sure if it will just automatically get repopulated in the future though.
Next critical update. lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 11, WIN 10, WIN 8.1, WIN 7 U, WIN 7 PRO, WIN 7 HOME (32 Bit), LINUX MINT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY, ASUS, and DELL
    CPU
    Intel i7 6900K (octocore) / AMD 3800X (8 core)
    Motherboard
    ASUS X99E-WS USB 3.1
    Memory
    128 GB CORSAIR DOMINATOR PLATINUM (B DIE)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA 1070
    Sound Card
    Crystal Sound (onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    single Samsung 30" 4K and 8" aux monitor
    Screen Resolution
    4K and something equally attrocious
    Hard Drives
    A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W

    Ports X, Y, and Z are reserved for USB access and removable drives.

    Drive types consist of the following: Various mechanical hard drives bearing the brand names, Seagate, Toshiba, and Western Digital. Various NVMe drives bearing the brand names Kingston, Intel, Silicon Power, Crucial, Western Digital, and Team Group. Various SATA SSDs bearing various different brand names.

    RAID arrays included:

    LSI RAID 10 (WD Velociraptors) 1115.72 GB
    LSI RAID 10 (WD SSDS) 463.80 GB

    INTEL RAID 0 (KINGSTON HYPER X) System 447.14 GB
    INTEL RAID 1 TOSHIBA ENTERPRIZE class Data 2794.52 GB
    INTEL RAID 1 SEAGATE HYBRID 931.51 GB
    PSU
    SEVERAL. I prefer my Corsair Platinum HX1000i but I also like EVGA power supplies
    Case
    ThermalTake Level 10 GT (among others)
    Cooling
    Noctua is my favorite and I use it in my main. I also own various other coolers. Not a fan of liquid cooling.
    Keyboard
    all kinds.
    Mouse
    all kinds
    Internet Speed
    360 mbps - 1 gbps (depending)
    Browser
    FIREFOX
    Antivirus
    KASPERSKY (no apologies)
    Other Info
    I own too many laptops: A Dell touch screen with Windows 11 and 6 others (not counting the other four laptops I bought for this household.) Being a PC builder I own many desktop PCs as well. I am a father of five providing PCs, laptops, and tablets for all my family, most of which I have modified, rebuilt, or simply built from scratch. I do not own a cell phone, never have, never will.
Greetings,
I bring 3 gifts today! Articles concerning Co-Pilot integration, or lack there-of... and the privacy of such data miners that concern those keen on the risks. But first, I must vent a little bit...
Relevant links at bottom for those, currently, with no time for spirited stories. :-)

This thread has not had any recent posts but I see there are currently 11 people viewing it. Many windows users are concerned with co-pilot. I had windows 11 installed 2 months ago, 22H2. Well, I Had some hardware mishaps and was back to just Windows 10. Get everything set back up and download a full ISO of Windows 11, 24H2 from MS website. Clean Install to new SSD and what happens???
--- Your computer does not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11... WHAT?!?!

I sat there staring at the screen wondering what could be wrong... I know for a FACT, my Dell system meets windows 11 requirements To the T. Every Single One. That is until recently... As I will soon find out...

Upon doing some research I discovered that their are new requirements for all Co-pilot+ PC's, which includes all editions of windows up through Pro . The best part? There is no way (without hacking the registry. no matter how simple the OP has actually made that process, Thanks BTW!!!) to disable Co-pilot+ without getting a bit... creative. We all know getting "Creative" is good fun, but sometimes that fun can be a bit high maintenance.
HERES THE KICKER>>>>>
16 GB DDR5 MEMORY, MINIMUM!!!!!!
I have 16 GB but not DDR5.... That high requirement is going to force pretty much any consumer machine to not be able to get windows 11 without a hefty machine capable of such. If you want to do anything more than e-mail or have a second screen, play a decent game... suggested to have more that 16GB DDR5. Maybe this is part of the reason they recently extended support for 10, plus the PK Fail Issue. We thought we we're getting a bonus extension because Microsoft is doing us a favor... haha! I guess there is no free lunch, right?
Then Microsoft will take away our new shiny hardware just as soon as we boot it and use it to produce a neat and tidy build log of everything everyone does on their computers. Stored locally for Hacker A, B, and let's not forget the big "C" for China to browse through at their Leisure....

This upset me quite a bit. Lets not forget that Microsoft is STILL in the middle of one of the biggest fails in "security" ever. Plus countless OEM's that they drug into this mess with them. Well, to be honest it was a team effort but this BLack Lotus PK Fail Issue has been just that...

A Big Black Lotus PK FAIL.
That's a whole 'nother thread somewhere on here I'm sure. Millions of windows users still have compromised keys, including myself! I looked over the procedures to force implement the changes early... I know computers but that is a bit out of my league, it would either take me hours and potentially brick my many systems or be a headache and a half trying to figure it out and learn as I go. I want to implement my own keys but I found out rather soon that it's a bit more complicated than it may appear, and I don't want to just guess and check. That's not wise, nor does it make me feel confident about my work when I'm done. I'll wait for MS to do it, which is planned for the next year I think. Them and 25 other OEM's that are having to overhaul their core OS functionality as well. Not to mention all the drivers and what not to be happy together again. It's a massive project and in my opinion MS will be chasing their tails for decades. That one really set us all back and I don't like to acknowledge that the "dark side" may be a score or two in the lead after that one.

Yes Microsoft, I'm very eager and excited to have you hog a disproportionate amount of my computer's resources so you can implement a Gaping security nightmare that I want no part of and then somehow be dense enough to believe that the same thing wont happen that has been happening to Microsoft for years, they get hacked and zero day'd until patch Tuesday happens twice some weeks.

Don't get me started...

In their defense, I do like Microsoft. They make a good product and I would still recommend them, in moderation, to regular consumers and my fellow amateur professionals. In short, I don't agree with their security posture or their approach to build layout. They complicate things that are best pure and simple and that takes away from the finesse of a good Clean Build. In my opinion, You should apply this way of thinking about safety / security in any industry...
A competent approach to safety / security is really quite simple. Why depend on a safeguard to protect you? When you can eliminate the entire hazard itself, and have zero possibility of a safety / security incident. I understand with the AI push it may be very tempting to collect all the data and worry about protecting it after, especially when it's not their own. Besides, with all this extra Efficiency that AI is bringing us, you would think we should have some time to take our time and build this beast out proper. The last thing we want is a AI creation that one day turns into our worst enemy. Remember the Tortoise and the Hare? Yes my friend... I see that story played out many ways in this AI scene. This is the core reason why I don't like Microsoft some days. We just don't see eye to eye on a few things. This is life. Life goes on...

That being said.... I wanted to share this article i found, recently released!!! It's geared towards IT Pros and those that use "managed' editions of windows 11. Which aren't that much more for licenses and given the Freedom from forced bloatware.... are looking veerrryyy attractive in this Co-Pilot+ Microsoft Era that shadows us all...
It sounds like (maybe someone can clarify) that all you may have to do is opt for a sign-in with a school or work account. I was looking at admin 365 subscriptions and the cheapest was $6 / month for Windows 11 business. plus all the enterprise options... not bad.

Oh FYI, I did the fix in this original post and was NOT able to install upgrade my Win 10 pro to windows 11 24H2 or Clean Install it on a new partition from thumb drive without the requirements of 16GB DDR5 memory. I was hoping maybe it would not check but nope.
I wonder how many people like I got caught in the middle. I have no way of installing Windows 11 now. I've essentially been FORCE Migrated down to Windows 10 Pro after running Windows 11 Pro, within MS specs for over 2 years. I do plan on calling MS today to run this by them, maybe they have a work around....or know a build number I need. I'm tired of spending time on it!

I least I have a Co-Pilot Free Windows 10 Pro now, I better enjoy it!

Thanks for reading my story. Long time reader, first time poster. I look forward to sharing and learning with everyone.

-----CO-PILOT INTEGRATION / DIS-INTEGRATION + SECURITY SPECIFICS----

These are both Microsoft Official Publications, from the source themselves.

Windows IT Pro Blog - Enhanced data protection with Windows & Co-Pilot

Co-Pilot - What's Rolled out & When, Versions affected. "Managed" devices & how to disable Co-Pilot.

Cheers!
-NetMan304
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows -10 22H2, 11 23H2, Server 2025. Linux - Fedora LTR, Red Hat Enterprise. VM Ware. Hiren's PE
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell, HP + Various
Most of the regulars here already know my view on the matter but it's reassuring to see that I'm not alone in this. IMO I have every good reason to be not impressed with what Microsoft has done with Windows 11 and I have not deviated from this since it was first released. To be fair, Microsoft is not the only culprit to be held accountable for all these security issues you are highlighting. The entire TCG Consortium share in this fiasco and frankly I rather doubt they're all that concerned about the security of the end user. Alas, I've said it all before numerous times so I'll spare the reader any additional missives. I'm still running Win 11 on this unit but I have about a dozen other units here at home that aren't running Windows 11 and they'll likely stay that way.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 11, WIN 10, WIN 8.1, WIN 7 U, WIN 7 PRO, WIN 7 HOME (32 Bit), LINUX MINT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY, ASUS, and DELL
    CPU
    Intel i7 6900K (octocore) / AMD 3800X (8 core)
    Motherboard
    ASUS X99E-WS USB 3.1
    Memory
    128 GB CORSAIR DOMINATOR PLATINUM (B DIE)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA 1070
    Sound Card
    Crystal Sound (onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    single Samsung 30" 4K and 8" aux monitor
    Screen Resolution
    4K and something equally attrocious
    Hard Drives
    A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W

    Ports X, Y, and Z are reserved for USB access and removable drives.

    Drive types consist of the following: Various mechanical hard drives bearing the brand names, Seagate, Toshiba, and Western Digital. Various NVMe drives bearing the brand names Kingston, Intel, Silicon Power, Crucial, Western Digital, and Team Group. Various SATA SSDs bearing various different brand names.

    RAID arrays included:

    LSI RAID 10 (WD Velociraptors) 1115.72 GB
    LSI RAID 10 (WD SSDS) 463.80 GB

    INTEL RAID 0 (KINGSTON HYPER X) System 447.14 GB
    INTEL RAID 1 TOSHIBA ENTERPRIZE class Data 2794.52 GB
    INTEL RAID 1 SEAGATE HYBRID 931.51 GB
    PSU
    SEVERAL. I prefer my Corsair Platinum HX1000i but I also like EVGA power supplies
    Case
    ThermalTake Level 10 GT (among others)
    Cooling
    Noctua is my favorite and I use it in my main. I also own various other coolers. Not a fan of liquid cooling.
    Keyboard
    all kinds.
    Mouse
    all kinds
    Internet Speed
    360 mbps - 1 gbps (depending)
    Browser
    FIREFOX
    Antivirus
    KASPERSKY (no apologies)
    Other Info
    I own too many laptops: A Dell touch screen with Windows 11 and 6 others (not counting the other four laptops I bought for this household.) Being a PC builder I own many desktop PCs as well. I am a father of five providing PCs, laptops, and tablets for all my family, most of which I have modified, rebuilt, or simply built from scratch. I do not own a cell phone, never have, never will.
I don't recall what other apps I have blocked from Micro$oft, but I do recall blocking these and some others as I don't use them and I certainly don't use Edge.
Visual Studio Background Download
Microsoft.Windows.Photos
Microsoft Phone Link
Microsoft OneDrive (64 bit) Setup
Microsoft Edge WebView2
As far as I recall, all of these are used by co-pilot. I still update the windows security stuff, but that's about it. I am currently working on setting up a laptop with Linux specifically for running google and the up and coming forced ID.ME garbage that I need for connecting to government sites. I'm not thrilled at all.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown is the best.
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core Processor, AMD64 Family 23 Mod
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. ROG STRIX B550-E GAMING, ver Rev X.0x, s/n redacted
    Memory
    RAM: 64GB (memory is too vague)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GFORCE GTX 1060 6GB (CAUSE IT STILL WORKS DANMED GOOD)
    Sound Card
    built into motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung ???
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    Many SSD's
    PSU
    Corsair CM750X
    Case
    NZXT
    Cooling
    Corsair
    Keyboard
    Razer BlackWidow Ultimatev 2016 edition
    Mouse
    Red Dragon M908
    Internet Speed
    Xfinity stupid fast
    Browser
    FireFox 117.0 (64-bit)
    Antivirus
    ESET Security, Enabled and Updated
    Other Info
    Between the power supply and the water cooler, it makes a great foot warmer on a cold winter's day.
No apps at all, here..., just Settings and Security.

000016.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I am hoping to call microsoft today and ask them what to do about this situation force downgrading me to windows 10. I'll update this when I have a result. The entra ID may be something worth investing in to keep the bloatware and what not down
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows -10 22H2, 11 23H2, Server 2025. Linux - Fedora LTR, Red Hat Enterprise. VM Ware. Hiren's PE
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell, HP + Various
I am hoping to call microsoft today and ask them what to do about this situation force downgrading me to windows 10. I'll update this when I have a result. The entra ID may be something worth investing in to keep the bloatware and what not down
Well, I wish you the best with that. Every time I talk to them it turns out that I know more about fixing the problem than they do and I'm not even an IT. I think Microsoft just pays people to read scripts and pretend to be tech support until the callers get completely enervated and give up. Most likely they'll just tell you to re-install the OS. They always tell me that. lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 11, WIN 10, WIN 8.1, WIN 7 U, WIN 7 PRO, WIN 7 HOME (32 Bit), LINUX MINT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY, ASUS, and DELL
    CPU
    Intel i7 6900K (octocore) / AMD 3800X (8 core)
    Motherboard
    ASUS X99E-WS USB 3.1
    Memory
    128 GB CORSAIR DOMINATOR PLATINUM (B DIE)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA 1070
    Sound Card
    Crystal Sound (onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    single Samsung 30" 4K and 8" aux monitor
    Screen Resolution
    4K and something equally attrocious
    Hard Drives
    A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W

    Ports X, Y, and Z are reserved for USB access and removable drives.

    Drive types consist of the following: Various mechanical hard drives bearing the brand names, Seagate, Toshiba, and Western Digital. Various NVMe drives bearing the brand names Kingston, Intel, Silicon Power, Crucial, Western Digital, and Team Group. Various SATA SSDs bearing various different brand names.

    RAID arrays included:

    LSI RAID 10 (WD Velociraptors) 1115.72 GB
    LSI RAID 10 (WD SSDS) 463.80 GB

    INTEL RAID 0 (KINGSTON HYPER X) System 447.14 GB
    INTEL RAID 1 TOSHIBA ENTERPRIZE class Data 2794.52 GB
    INTEL RAID 1 SEAGATE HYBRID 931.51 GB
    PSU
    SEVERAL. I prefer my Corsair Platinum HX1000i but I also like EVGA power supplies
    Case
    ThermalTake Level 10 GT (among others)
    Cooling
    Noctua is my favorite and I use it in my main. I also own various other coolers. Not a fan of liquid cooling.
    Keyboard
    all kinds.
    Mouse
    all kinds
    Internet Speed
    360 mbps - 1 gbps (depending)
    Browser
    FIREFOX
    Antivirus
    KASPERSKY (no apologies)
    Other Info
    I own too many laptops: A Dell touch screen with Windows 11 and 6 others (not counting the other four laptops I bought for this household.) Being a PC builder I own many desktop PCs as well. I am a father of five providing PCs, laptops, and tablets for all my family, most of which I have modified, rebuilt, or simply built from scratch. I do not own a cell phone, never have, never will.

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