A script designed to disable or remove artificial intelligence components in Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system is gaining significant traction online, reflecting ongoing user concerns regarding privacy and performance associated with the company’s AI integrations. This tool, hosted on GitHub under the repository name “RemoveWindowsAI” and maintained by a developer known as zoicware, enables users to target features such as Copilot, the Recall screenshot-based search tool, and AI enhancements present in applications like Paint and Notepad, along with related data-collection processes.
Functionality and User Engagement
The script operates by modifying registry keys, removing AppX packages, deleting hidden installers, and installing a custom update package to prevent reinstallation via Windows Update. The repository, which received its latest update late Sunday, offers various options for user interaction, including a graphical interface for interactive use, non-interactive automation, backups, and the ability to revert changes. It supports Windows 11 versions starting from 25H2, although some features may necessitate manual intervention. As an open-source project, it carries warnings advising users to create backups prior to application, highlighting that Microsoft updates could potentially restore some components.
Interest in the tool surged following a post on X that spotlighted the repository, which quickly amassed over 12,000 likes and more than 300,000 views. While similar scripts and debloating tools have circulated within tech communities for months, this particular tool has resonated amid broader frustrations with Microsoft’s AI strategy. The repository has quickly garnered 938 stars and 25 forks, indicating a high level of engagement and interest. Achieving nearly 1,000 stars is a notable milestone that many open-source projects seldom reach. However, the exact number of downloads remains undisclosed on GitHub, and the developer has not yet provided any comments regarding the tool’s reception.
Microsoft’s AI Strategy and User Concerns
Microsoft has positioned Windows 11 as an “AI PC” platform, introducing features like Copilot, Recall, and on-device AI processing through its Copilot+ PC initiative. Recall, which periodically captures screen snapshots for searchable timelines, faced delays and revisions following privacy criticisms upon its 2024 announcement; it eventually launched in preview form in 2025 with opt-in requirements, encryption, and user controls. The company has characterized these integrations as enhancements for productivity and accessibility, with on-device processing intended to minimize data transmission.
Despite these assurances, some users and commentators have expressed unease regarding resource consumption, potential data harvesting, and the challenges of fully opting out through standard settings. Reports from technology outlets have noted backlash against what some describe as “forced” AI elements, which have contributed to slower adoption rates for Windows 11 compared to previous versions. Microsoft has not publicly commented on the script but maintains that its AI features prioritize user control and security, offering tools like Windows Hello for authentication and options to pause or filter snapshot capture in Recall.
Script to Nuke AI Features from Windows 11 Goes Viral Amid Privacy Backlash
A script designed to disable or remove artificial intelligence components in Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system is gaining significant traction online, reflecting ongoing user concerns regarding privacy and performance associated with the company’s AI integrations. This tool, hosted on GitHub under the repository name “RemoveWindowsAI” and maintained by a developer known as zoicware, enables users to target features such as Copilot, the Recall screenshot-based search tool, and AI enhancements present in applications like Paint and Notepad, along with related data-collection processes.
Functionality and User Engagement
The script operates by modifying registry keys, removing AppX packages, deleting hidden installers, and installing a custom update package to prevent reinstallation via Windows Update. The repository, which received its latest update late Sunday, offers various options for user interaction, including a graphical interface for interactive use, non-interactive automation, backups, and the ability to revert changes. It supports Windows 11 versions starting from 25H2, although some features may necessitate manual intervention. As an open-source project, it carries warnings advising users to create backups prior to application, highlighting that Microsoft updates could potentially restore some components.
Interest in the tool surged following a post on X that spotlighted the repository, which quickly amassed over 12,000 likes and more than 300,000 views. While similar scripts and debloating tools have circulated within tech communities for months, this particular tool has resonated amid broader frustrations with Microsoft’s AI strategy. The repository has quickly garnered 938 stars and 25 forks, indicating a high level of engagement and interest. Achieving nearly 1,000 stars is a notable milestone that many open-source projects seldom reach. However, the exact number of downloads remains undisclosed on GitHub, and the developer has not yet provided any comments regarding the tool’s reception.
Microsoft’s AI Strategy and User Concerns
Microsoft has positioned Windows 11 as an “AI PC” platform, introducing features like Copilot, Recall, and on-device AI processing through its Copilot+ PC initiative. Recall, which periodically captures screen snapshots for searchable timelines, faced delays and revisions following privacy criticisms upon its 2024 announcement; it eventually launched in preview form in 2025 with opt-in requirements, encryption, and user controls. The company has characterized these integrations as enhancements for productivity and accessibility, with on-device processing intended to minimize data transmission.
Despite these assurances, some users and commentators have expressed unease regarding resource consumption, potential data harvesting, and the challenges of fully opting out through standard settings. Reports from technology outlets have noted backlash against what some describe as “forced” AI elements, which have contributed to slower adoption rates for Windows 11 compared to previous versions. Microsoft has not publicly commented on the script but maintains that its AI features prioritize user control and security, offering tools like Windows Hello for authentication and options to pause or filter snapshot capture in Recall.