How to Disable Windows 11 Copilot

This article explains how to disable and remove Copilot in Windows 11.

Copilot in Windows is a generative AI assistant that lets you chat with it using natural language. You can use it to change system settings and work across multiple applications.

For computers that have Copilot added, a new Copilot button will appear on the Taskbar. button will appear. Clicking the button or using the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + C) will open Copilot as a flyout panel on your screen.

Copilot in Windows is currently available as a preview for Windows Insiders only in select locations. Microsoft continues experimenting with new ideas and methods based on user feedback.

Why Disable Copilot?

There are various reasons someone might want to remove Copilot from Windows 11. Some users prefer traditional ways of interacting with their computer. Others find the feature distracting or simply don’t need it.

Additionally, some users have privacy concerns about using AI-powered assistance. They may worry their data is being shared without consent. Whatever your reason, removing Copilot from Windows 11 is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps.

How to Disable and Remove Copilot in Windows

Follow these steps to turn off Copilot:

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key paths below.

⚠️ Admin Privileges Required

Navigate to these registry keys:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot

Step 2: Edit the TurnOffWindowsCopilot Value

Next, double-click the TurnOffWindowsCopilot (REG_DWORD) entry on the right side of the Windows Copilot key to open it.

Then enter the value 1 to disable and remove Copilot from Windows.

If you do not see the TurnOffWindowsCopilot item, right-click a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry entry called TurnOffWindowsCopilot.

Then enter the value 1 to disable Copilot.

Step 3: Disable Search Box Suggestions

Navigate to these registry keys in both the User and Computer spaces:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

Next, double-click the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions (REG_DWORD) entry on the right side of the Explorer key to open it.

Then enter the value 1 to disable and remove Copilot from Windows.

If you do not see the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions item, right-click a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry entry called DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.

Then enter the value 1 to disable Copilot.

Step 4: Disable the Edge Sidebar

Finally, navigate to this registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Next, double-click the HubsSidebarEnabled (REG_DWORD) entry on the right side of the Edge key to open it.

Then enter the value 0 to disable and remove Copilot from Windows.

If you do not see the HubsSidebarEnabled item, right-click a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry entry called HubsSidebarEnabled.

Then enter the value 0 to disable Copilot.

Step 5: Save Changes and Restart

Save your changes and restart your computer. That should do it!

How to Turn Copilot Back On

Want to re-enable Copilot? Delete all the items you created above:

• TurnOffWindowsCopilot
• DisableSearchBoxSuggestions
• HubsSidebarEnabled

Save your changes and restart your computer to restore the default behavior and allow Windows Copilot.

Summary

Disabling Copilot: This guide showed you how to disable and remove Copilot from Windows 11. You now have the flexibility to choose how you want to interact with your computer.

User Privacy: If you’re concerned about privacy with AI-powered assistance, these steps help ensure your data is not shared without your consent.

Feedback and Support: Copilot is still in preview for Windows Insiders. Microsoft continues testing it based on user feedback to improve the feature.

Further Assistance: If you have questions or run into issues, feel free to leave a comment below for support and clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions