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How to Hide or Unhide Copilot Button on Windows 11

Richard
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Richard
Jun 30, 2023 Updated May 1, 2026 3 min read

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant built into Windows 11. It helps you change settings, summarize text, and answer questions. Sometimes, you may want to remove the icon from your taskbar to save space. This guide explains how to hide or unhide the Copilot button using simple methods.

Why hide or show the Copilot button?

You might want to hide the button for a cleaner taskbar or if you do not use AI features. You might want to show it if you accidentally removed it or want quick access to the tool.

What happens when done?

Once you complete these steps, the Copilot icon will either appear on your taskbar or disappear from it immediately, depending on the method you chose.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

This is the easiest way to manage the button for everyday users.

  1. Open the Windows Settings app. Click the Start menu and select Settings, or press the Windows key + I.
  2. Click on Personalization in the left menu.
  1. Click on the Taskbar tile on the right side.
Windows 11 Taskbar tile
  1. Look for Copilot (preview). Toggle the switch to On to show the button or Off to hide it.
Copilot preview show or hide button on taskbar

Method 2: Using Local Group Policy Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

You can control the button through the Local Group Policy Editor. Search for “Edit group policy” in your Start menu and open it.

windows 11 edit group policy
  1. On the left side, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  2. Find Hide the Copilot button in the right pane and double-click it.
Hide the Copilot button group policy
  1. Choose Enabled to hide the button, or Disabled to show it.
  2. Click OK and close the editor.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges and involves changing system files. Be careful.

Open the Windows Registry editor by searching for “regedit” in the Start menu. Navigate to this path:

🗝️Registry
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

If you do not see the Explorer folder, right-click the Windows folder, select New, then Key, and name it Explorer.

Hide the Copilot button group policy
  1. Right-click in the empty space on the right side and select New > String Value.
  2. Name the new item HideCopilotButton.
  3. Double-click HideCopilotButton and set the “Value data” to 1 to hide the button.
  4. To show the button again, simply delete the HideCopilotButton item.
Hide the Copilot button group policy

Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Understanding the Physical Copilot Keyboard Key

Newer laptops feature a dedicated Copilot hardware key. This key launches the AI assistant instantly. If you disable the software component, the key may still trigger a notification or open the app. You cannot easily disable the physical key without third-party software to remap it.

Summary

You can manage the Copilot button in Windows 11 using the Settings menu, the Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor. Use the Settings menu for the quickest change, or the other methods if you need to manage settings for a specific user or system configuration. While you can hide the icon, Copilot remains a core part of the Windows ecosystem. For more details, see the Microsoft.com blog.

Does disabling Copilot improve system performance?

Disabling the Copilot button removes the icon from your taskbar, which saves a tiny amount of system resources. However, it does not significantly improve overall system performance. The underlying AI services may still run in the background if you use other Microsoft 365 apps that integrate with Copilot.

Is it possible to completely uninstall Copilot from Windows 11?

Copilot is deeply integrated into the Windows 11 operating system. You cannot fully uninstall it like a standard application. You can only hide the interface or disable its access through system policies. Microsoft updates may occasionally reset these preferences, requiring you to re-apply your chosen settings.

Why does Copilot keep reappearing after I disable it?

Copilot often reappears after a Windows Update or if your account settings sync across devices. Microsoft frequently updates the OS to promote its AI features. If you use Group Policy or Registry edits, these settings are more persistent, but major system updates can still override them occasionally.

Was this guide helpful?

Tags: #Windows 11
Richard

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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