Microsoft Edge includes an AI feature called Copilot Cowork that can open new tabs, take screenshots, and complete tasks directly inside your browser.
This built-in AI feature works from a special tab in Edge, helping you complete tasks by understanding the website you are on.
Copilot Cowork accesses information just like you do, using your current logins to perform actions. You will see prompts if Copilot Cowork needs your confirmation for certain tasks.
The feature asks for your permission the first time it needs to perform important browser actions, such as logging in. You can choose to allow Copilot Cowork or prevent Copilot Cowork from using your browser for those specific actions.
Windows 11 gives you control over whether Copilot Cowork can perform these browser-based tasks, helping you manage privacy and control its functionality.
Open Microsoft Edge, click the three dots, select Settings, then Copilot and AI. Toggle "Allow Cowork to take actions on your behalf" on or off. This setting is saved on your device.
Option 1Control Copilot Cowork in Edge Settings (For Your Account)
Use this method to change settings for your user account only. No special permissions are needed, making it a good fit for most people.
Open Microsoft Edge
Open your Microsoft Edge browser. It's usually found in your Start menu or as an icon pinned to your taskbar.
Access the Settings Menu
With Edge open, look for the three small dots (...) in the top-right corner of the browser window. Click these dots to open a menu, then select "Settings".
Go to Copilot and AI Settings
In the Settings tab, you will see a menu on the left side. Click on "Copilot and AI". If you don't see this menu, try clicking the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-left corner of the Settings page, or make your browser window wider.
Control the Cowork Feature
Microsoft Edge lets you turn copilot cowork edge features on or off directly through the browser settings. Open the settings menu, find the Copilot and AI section, and switch the option that allows Copilot to take actions on your behalf to either on or off depending on what you want.
- To turn Copilot Cowork ON: Make sure the switch is moved to the "On" position.
- To turn Copilot Cowork OFF: Move the switch to the "Off" position.
This setting directly controls if Copilot Cowork can perform tasks for you in Edge.
Close the Settings Tab
You are finished with the settings. Close the Settings tab in Microsoft Edge. Your changes will be applied right away.
Option 2Control Copilot Cowork for All Users Using Registry Editor
Registry Editor (a database for low-level Windows settings) lets you manage copilot cowork edge settings for every user account on your computer at once. This method requires administrator permissions and makes system-wide changes, so follow the steps carefully to avoid system errors.
Use the Registry Editor (a database for low-level Windows settings) to apply this change system-wide.
Step 1Open Registry Editor
Open Registry Editor with administrator rights. Here’s how:
- Click the Start button.
- Type
regedit. - Right-click on "Registry Editor" in the search results.
- Choose "Run as administrator".
- If a User Account Control (UAC) message appears, click "Yes".
Step 2Go to the Correct Registry Location
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge is the exact registry path you need to open to configure copilot cowork edge policies. Paste or click through this address in the Registry Editor sidebar, and create the Edge key manually if it does not appear under the Microsoft folder.
Edge key isn't present under Microsoft, create it.To do this, right-click on the Microsoft key, select "New" then "Key", and name it Edge.
Step 3Create or Change the 'CopilotCoworkToolActionsEnabled' Value
CopilotCoworkToolActionsEnabled is the specific registry value that turns copilot cowork edge features on or off for all users. Create a new DWORD value with this exact name inside the Edge registry key, and set its hexadecimal data to 1 to enable the feature or 0 to disable it.
To Turn Copilot Cowork ON for All Users:
- Right-click in the empty space on the right side.
- Select "New" then "DWORD (32-bit) Value".
- Name the new value exactly:
CopilotCoworkToolActionsEnabled - Double-click this new value to change it.
- In the "Value data" box, type
1. - Make sure "Base" is set to "Hexadecimal".
- Click "OK".
The **Registry Editor** value `DisableCopilotCowork` in the path `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Edge` set to `1` allows Copilot Cowork to perform actions in Microsoft Edge. This Registry Editor setting overrides any values you've set in your personal Edge settings, and those personal settings will appear grayed out.
To Turn Copilot Cowork OFF for All Users:
- Right-click in the empty space on the right side.
- Select "New" then "DWORD (32-bit) Value".
- Name the new value exactly:
CopilotCoworkToolActionsEnabled - Double-click this new value to change it.
- In the "Value data" box, type
0. - Make sure "Base" is set to "Hexadecimal".
- Click "OK".
The registry value "0" turns off Copilot Cowork for everyone. This registry setting overrides any personal configurations within Microsoft Edge.
To Let Individual Users Choose:
If you want to go back to letting each user decide through their Edge settings (Option One), remove this policy value.
- In the right-hand pane, find the
CopilotCoworkToolActionsEnabledvalue. - Right-click on it.
- Select "Delete".
- Click "Yes" when asked to confirm.
Explanation: Removing this value turns off the system-wide setting, allowing the settings within each user's Microsoft Edge browser to control Copilot Cowork again.
Step 4Close Registry Editor and Restart Edge
Microsoft Edge must be completely closed and reopened for any registry changes affecting copilot cowork edge to take effect. Close the Registry Editor window safely, shut down all running Edge windows, and launch the browser again to load your new settings.
Mistakes in the registry can cause your system to become unstable or stop applications from working correctly.
Summary
Managing copilot cowork edge settings on Windows 11 takes either a quick adjustment inside the browser settings for individual users or a Registry Editor change for every account on the computer. Choose the method that matches your needs and follow the steps to turn the feature on or off.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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