Windows 11 now lets you remove Microsoft Copilot app with Group Policy or Registry, as it tries to win back users
May 23, 2026
Recent feedback from Windows 11 users indicates that the integration of Copilot has not been well-received, prompting Microsoft to take steps to address these concerns. The company has opted for transparency by making it simpler for users to uninstall Copilot, especially for those who prefer utilizing Group Policy or the Windows Registry for such tasks.
In a recent discovery by Windows Latest, it was revealed that Microsoft has discreetly introduced a Group Policy option designed to facilitate the removal of Copilot. This feature was included in the April 2026 Update for Windows 11 and is officially titled “Remove Microsoft Copilot app.” Users can locate this policy under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI.
As Copilot is categorized as an app within Windows, users can also find an option to uninstall it directly from the installed apps list or by right-clicking on the Copilot icon. However, there have been instances where Copilot reappears following a fresh installation of Windows 11, as certain updates may inadvertently reinstall the application.
For those managing multiple devices, implementing a Group Policy that governs not only Copilot but also Microsoft 365 Copilot can streamline the process of controlling app installations across all systems. This allows administrators to efficiently remove Copilot from every PC within their organization.
How to uninstall Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot using Group Policy in Windows 11
To access the “Remove Microsoft Copilot app” policy, users should open the Group Policy editor and navigate to the following path: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI.
On the right side of the editor, a new policy titled “Remove Microsoft Copilot app” will be visible. According to Microsoft, this policy effectively removes both the Copilot app and Microsoft 365 Copilot, which is typically bundled with Office applications for consumers and businesses alike.
This Group Policy operates under specific conditions:
Both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot must be installed.
The user did not install the Copilot apps independently.
The Copilot app has not been utilized for over 28 days, triggering the automatic removal.
In a separate document, Microsoft has confirmed that this policy is supported on Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise or LTSC versions. While regular consumers can utilize this policy under the specified conditions, users of the Windows 11 Home SKU will need to make manual adjustments via the Windows Registry.
How to remove Copilot using the Windows Registry
For Windows Home users, who do not have access to the Group Policy feature, it is possible to manually create the necessary registry value to remove Copilot:
Open the Registry Editor and navigate to:
HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows
Right-click the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it WindowsAI.
Proceed to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsAI.
Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name this value RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp, then double-click it and set its value to 1.
Restart Windows or sign out to apply the changes.
Following these steps will result in the automatic removal of both Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps from Windows 11. Alternatively, users can execute a PowerShell script to achieve the same outcome:
It’s worth noting that Microsoft has not provided a straightforward method for uninstalling Copilot through the Start menu, where the uninstall option is notably absent. While the above steps may seem intricate, utilizing Group Policy remains the most effective approach for managing Copilot across multiple PCs.
Are you currently utilizing Copilot, or have you opted to uninstall it from your system? Your thoughts are welcome in the comments below.
Windows 11 now lets you remove Microsoft Copilot app with Group Policy or Registry, as it tries to win back users
Recent feedback from Windows 11 users indicates that the integration of Copilot has not been well-received, prompting Microsoft to take steps to address these concerns. The company has opted for transparency by making it simpler for users to uninstall Copilot, especially for those who prefer utilizing Group Policy or the Windows Registry for such tasks.
In a recent discovery by Windows Latest, it was revealed that Microsoft has discreetly introduced a Group Policy option designed to facilitate the removal of Copilot. This feature was included in the April 2026 Update for Windows 11 and is officially titled “Remove Microsoft Copilot app.” Users can locate this policy under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI.
As Copilot is categorized as an app within Windows, users can also find an option to uninstall it directly from the installed apps list or by right-clicking on the Copilot icon. However, there have been instances where Copilot reappears following a fresh installation of Windows 11, as certain updates may inadvertently reinstall the application.
For those managing multiple devices, implementing a Group Policy that governs not only Copilot but also Microsoft 365 Copilot can streamline the process of controlling app installations across all systems. This allows administrators to efficiently remove Copilot from every PC within their organization.
How to uninstall Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot using Group Policy in Windows 11
To access the “Remove Microsoft Copilot app” policy, users should open the Group Policy editor and navigate to the following path: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI.
On the right side of the editor, a new policy titled “Remove Microsoft Copilot app” will be visible. According to Microsoft, this policy effectively removes both the Copilot app and Microsoft 365 Copilot, which is typically bundled with Office applications for consumers and businesses alike.
This Group Policy operates under specific conditions:
In a separate document, Microsoft has confirmed that this policy is supported on Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise or LTSC versions. While regular consumers can utilize this policy under the specified conditions, users of the Windows 11 Home SKU will need to make manual adjustments via the Windows Registry.
How to remove Copilot using the Windows Registry
For Windows Home users, who do not have access to the Group Policy feature, it is possible to manually create the necessary registry value to remove Copilot:
Following these steps will result in the automatic removal of both Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps from Windows 11. Alternatively, users can execute a PowerShell script to achieve the same outcome:
It’s worth noting that Microsoft has not provided a straightforward method for uninstalling Copilot through the Start menu, where the uninstall option is notably absent. While the above steps may seem intricate, utilizing Group Policy remains the most effective approach for managing Copilot across multiple PCs.
Are you currently utilizing Copilot, or have you opted to uninstall it from your system? Your thoughts are welcome in the comments below.