How to Disable Windows 11 Copilot
You disable Windows 11 Copilot by using the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor.
Copilot is Microsoft’s built-in generative AI assistant designed to help you manage your PC and apps through natural language commands.
This AI tool often appears as an icon on your taskbar, accessible with Windows key + C, offering a flyout panel for its features.
If you prefer a Windows experience without this integrated AI feature, you can easily turn it off.
Disable Windows 11 Copilot by editing the registry. Navigate to the WindowsCopilot and Explorer keys, create or modify DWORD values named TurnOffWindowsCopilot and DisableSearchBoxSuggestions to 1, and then restart your PC.
Why Disable Copilot?
You may want to disable Windows 11 Copilot if you prefer a simpler computer experience, find the AI distracting, or have privacy worries about how your data is used.
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 takes a few steps.
How to Disable and Remove Copilot in Windows
Follow these steps to turn off Copilot:
Step 1Open the Registry Editor
To begin turning off Copilot, you first need to open the Registry Editor, which lets you change Windows settings. You’ll need administrator rights to do this.
⚠️ 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 2Edit the TurnOffWindowsCopilot Value
In the Registry Editor, find the TurnOffWindowsCopilot setting and open it. Change its value to 1 to disable Copilot.
If you don’t see the TurnOffWindowsCopilot item, right-click in a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry entry called TurnOffWindowsCopilot. Then enter the value 1 to disable Copilot.
Step 3Disable Search Box Suggestions
You can also disable search box suggestions in Windows 11 by changing the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions setting to 1 in the Registry Editor.
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. This is a type of data value. Enter the value 1 to disable and remove Copilot from Windows.
If you don’t see the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions item, right-click in a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry entry called DisableSearchBoxSuggestions. Then enter the value 1 to disable Copilot.
Step 4Disable the Edge Sidebar
To disable the Edge sidebar, which is often linked to Copilot, change the HubsSidebarEnabled setting to 0 in the Registry Editor.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\EdgeNext, double-click the HubsSidebarEnabled (REG_DWORD) entry on the right side of the Edge key to open it. This is a type of data value. Enter the value 0 to disable and remove Copilot from Windows.
If you don’t see the HubsSidebarEnabled item, right-click in a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry entry called HubsSidebarEnabled. Then enter the value 0 to disable Copilot.
Step 5Save Changes and Restart
Save your changes and then restart your computer. You’re all set!
How to Turn Copilot Back On
Want to re-enable Copilot? Delete all the items you created above:
TurnOffWindowsCopilotDisableSearchBoxSuggestionsHubsSidebarEnabled
Save your changes and restart your computer to restore the default behavior and allow Windows Copilot.
Summary
This guide explained how to disable and remove Copilot from Windows 11 using the Registry Editor, giving you more control and helping with privacy concerns.
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.
Can I use 🪟 Windows 11 without Copilot?
You can go to Group Policy Editor (gpedit. msc), then navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot and enable the 'Turn off Windows Copilot' option. If you don't have gpedit, you can also disable it using Registry Editor.
Is there a shortcut to turn off Copilot?
Press the ⊞ Win+I shortcut key on your keyboard to open Settings, and select Personalization > Taskbar. Find and turn off the Copilot (Preview) switch. In this way, the Copilot icon will not be displayed on the taskbar.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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