Skip to content
Follow
Windows

How to Enable or Disable Windows Copilot in Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Aug 9, 2023 Updated Jul 13, 2026 3 min read
How to Enable or Disable Windows Copilot in Windows 11
How to Enable or Disable Windows Copilot in Windows 11

Windows Copilot in Windows 11 is an AI assistant that helps you with tasks and information right from your desktop.

This built-in feature, powered by Bing Chat, usually shows up as an icon on the right side of your taskbar, especially on Windows 11 versions 22H2 and newer.

You can turn Windows Copilot on or off using the Settings app or by making changes in the Windows Registry.

When you enable Copilot, you get quick access to AI suggestions and actions directly from your PC. Turning it off removes the taskbar icon and stops its background activity.

⚡ Quick Answer

Hide the Copilot icon by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting Taskbar settings, and toggling Copilot to Off. For a full disable, use Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise) or the Registry Editor (Home) to modify Copilot settings.

Method 1Hiding the Copilot Icon (Easiest Way)

To clear your Windows Copilot icon from the taskbar without disabling the entire service, you can follow these specific steps:

  1. Right-click an empty space on your Taskbar.
  2. Select Taskbar settings.
  3. Locate the Copilot (preview) toggle.
  4. Switch it to Off.

This hides the button but does not uninstall the feature.

Method 2Using Group Policy (🪟 Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise)

For Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users, the Group Policy Editor (a tool for managing system settings) lets you turn off the AI assistant if you prefer. You will find the Windows Copilot setting under Windows Components, making it a manageable option.

windows 11 edit group policy
windows 11 edit group policy

  1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot.
  3. Double-click Turn off Windows Copilot.
  4. Select Enabled to turn the feature off.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

Method 3Using the Registry Editor (🪟 Windows 11 Home)

Because the Group Policy Editor isn’t available on Windows 11 Home, users of that edition can disable Windows Copilot with the Registry Editor. This guide explains how to safely edit specific values in the Windows Copilot registry key to turn off the AI feature.

Local Group Policy Editor window for configuring Windows Copilot settings
Local Group Policy Editor window for configuring Windows Copilot settings

  1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to: 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot.
  3. If the key does not exist, right-click the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it WindowsCopilot.
  4. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it TurnOffWindowsCopilot.
  5. Set the value to 1 to disable it .

Privacy and Data Security

⚠️Warning
Copilot processes data to provide relevant answers. If you are concerned about privacy, disabling the service ensures that your local activity is not sent to Microsoft for AI analysis. Always review your Privacy & security settings in the Windows Settings app to manage what data you share with Microsoft.

Summary

You can disable Windows Copilot with taskbar settings. For a more permanent solution, use the Group Policy Editor on Pro/Enterprise versions or the Registry Editor on Windows 11 Home. These methods help you manage the AI feature according to your preferences.

Can I permanently remove Copilot or just hide it?

You can hide the icon via Taskbar settings or disable the service through Group Policy or the Registry. While these methods effectively stop Copilot from running, it is a core system component. Microsoft may re-enable it during major feature updates, so you may need to re-apply these settings periodically.

Why does Copilot keep coming back after a Windows update?

Windows updates often reset system configurations to their default states to ensure new features are active. Copilot is a core part of the Windows 11 experience. Microsoft updates often overwrite registry keys or policy settings, so your changes might be reset. You may need to re-apply your disable settings after major OS version upgrades.

Was this guide helpful?

Tags: #Windows 11
Was this helpful?
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.

📚 Related Tutorials

How to Switch Between Copilot Views in Windows 11
Windows How to Switch Between Copilot Views in Windows 11
How to Show or Hide the Sidebar in Windows 11 Copilot
Windows How to Show or Hide the Sidebar in Windows 11 Copilot
How to Change How Copilot Opens with Alt+Spacebar shortcut in Windows 11
Windows How to Change How Copilot Opens with Alt+Spacebar shortcut in Windows 11
How to Disable Windows 11 Copilot
Windows How to Disable Windows 11 Copilot

18 Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *