Windows 11 has embraced artificial intelligence, integrating AI features throughout its operating system. The introduction of Copilot, which is now pinned to the taskbar and embedded in applications like Notepad and Paint, signifies a new era of user interaction. However, users seeking to revert to a more traditional desktop experience may find themselves at a crossroads, as there is currently no universal option to disable these features. Individual toggles exist, but they often fail to prevent reinstatement through updates.
Introducing RemoveWindowsAI
In response to this challenge, a free community script named RemoveWindowsAI has emerged. This tool effectively disables Windows AI features at the system level and modifies Windows Update settings to prevent their reinstallation. The script specifically targets Copilot, Recall, and their integrations within core applications, offering users the flexibility to disable all features or select specific components.
RemoveWindowsAI operates by implementing a series of registry changes rather than altering system files. Its primary aim is to eliminate visible AI entry points and maintain their disabled status across cumulative updates—something that the current Windows settings do not facilitate.
What the script changes
When executed with all options enabled, RemoveWindowsAI removes Copilot from the taskbar and completely uninstalls the Copilot app. References to Copilot vanish from the Settings app, and AI functionalities within applications like Notepad and Paint are disabled. Furthermore, the script endeavors to prevent these components from reappearing, applying update-related workarounds to ensure that Windows Update does not automatically reinstall the removed AI packages. This is particularly significant, as Copilot and related features are often reinstated during routine monthly updates.
Changes take effect immediately, with progress reported directly in the PowerShell window. While a reboot is generally unnecessary, some modifications may only become apparent after restarting the affected applications.
Running RemoveWindowsAI
To utilize RemoveWindowsAI, users must run it through Windows PowerShell 5.1, which is compatible with the default PowerShell included in Windows. PowerShell 7 is not supported. The steps to execute the script are as follows:
- Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
- Verify that the version is PowerShell 5.1.
- Copy the install command from the RemoveWindowsAI project page. (Note: The command may change and is not repeated here.)
- Paste the command into PowerShell and execute it.
- Select which AI features to disable when prompted by the menu.
Users can rerun the script at any time to re-enable features, though future Windows updates may necessitate reapplying the changes.
Impact and limitations
The primary advantage of RemoveWindowsAI lies in its ability to provide a consistent experience. While Windows offers individual toggles for some AI features, these do not encompass all integrations and are frequently reset. RemoveWindowsAI applies a comprehensive set of changes that impact the entire system.
However, there are limitations to consider. As an unofficial tool, it relies on the current behavior of Windows. Major feature updates or version upgrades may reintroduce AI components or override update blocks, and new AI features introduced by Microsoft may not be addressed until the script is updated. Currently, Microsoft does not provide a supported method to globally disable all AI features, leaving users dependent on community-driven solutions like RemoveWindowsAI.
