How to Disable Windows 11 Copilot
Disabling Windows 11 Copilot removes Microsoft’s AI assistant from your PC.
Copilot is a new AI helper that uses plain language to manage your computer and programs. It often shows up as an icon on your taskbar, which you can open with the Windows key + C.
If you don’t want Copilot cluttering your screen, you can turn it off. This guide shows you how to hide Copilot from your taskbar and desktop for a simpler look.
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?
Windows 11 Copilot removal offers a simpler computer experience without AI distractions and addresses privacy concerns about data usage by these AI tools. You can remove Copilot from your Windows 11 system to prevent your personal information from potentially being shared without your knowledge.
For those concerned about AI sharing their data without consent, removing Copilot from Windows 11 helps alleviate those worries. Whatever your reason, removing Copilot from Windows 11 takes a few steps to complete.
How to Disable and Remove Copilot in Windows
Follow these steps to turn off Copilot:
Step 1Open the Registry Editor
To begin disabling Copilot, you first need to open the Registry Editor on your Windows 11 computer. This is a tool that lets you change advanced system settings. Administrator rights are necessary to access and modify settings within the Registry Editor. Follow these steps carefully to locate the correct registry keys for disabling Copilot.
⚠️ 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, locate the `TurnOffWindowsCopilot` setting. Changing the value of `TurnOffWindowsCopilot` to `1` disables the Windows Copilot feature, preventing its display in your taskbar.
If the item isn’t visible, right-click a blank area and create a new registry entry of type DWORD (32-bit) named `TurnOffWindowsCopilot`. Then, set its value to `1` to disable Copilot.
Step 3Disable Search Box Suggestions
You can disable suggestions that appear in the Windows 11 search box by making a specific change in the Registry Editor. Locate the Explorer key and find the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions setting. Changing this setting to the value of 1 will turn off these suggestions, helping to streamline your search experience and reduce distractions.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
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 a blank area and create a new registry entry of type DWORD (32-bit) named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions. Then, set its value to `1` to disable Copilot.
Step 4Disable the Edge Sidebar
To disable the Edge sidebar, which is often connected to Copilot’s functionality, you need to change a specific setting within the Registry Editor. Navigate to the Edge key and find the HubsSidebarEnabled setting. By double-clicking this entry and changing its value to 0, you can effectively disable and remove the Edge sidebar from your Windows system.
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 a blank area and create a new registry entry of type DWORD (32-bit) named HubsSidebarEnabled. Then, set its value to `0` to disable Copilot.
Step 5Save Changes and Restart
Your changes are now saved. Restart your computer to apply them.
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 showed how to disable and remove Copilot from Windows 11 using the Registry Editor, giving you more control over your system and addressing privacy concerns. Following these steps helps ensure your data isn’t shared without your consent, particularly with AI-powered tools. Remember, Copilot is still in preview for some users.
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?
To disable Copilot via Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), 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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