Alex Ruben
How To Uninstall Copilot from Windows 11
If kids are messing around on your Windows 11 machine and you want to cut off their AI playground, removing Copilot is kinda the way to go. Not super complex, but a little confusing sometimes, especially if you’re not used to poking around in apps and settings. This thing can stubbornly stay put if you’re not careful, so here’s what’s worked so far.
Step 1: Get to the Settings
Start by clicking on that Windows icon at the bottom-left corner, or just hit Win + S for quick access. Then tap on the gear icon or type “Settings” to open it. Why? Because Copilot’s tied to apps and permissions, so you gotta access Apps in Settings for a proper clean-up.
Step 2: Dive into Apps & Features
In the Settings window, find and click on Apps, then choose Installed apps from the list on the right.
This is where all the installed programs live, including Copilot. On some setups, this list can be giant or a bit wonky, so use the search bar at the top to type Copilot. Helps narrow things down.
Step 3: Search & Uninstall
If Copilot or anything sounding like it shows up—like Microsoft 365 Copilot—click the three-dot menu next to it. Pick Uninstall. Sometimes, Windows throws a “you need admin rights” pop-up, so make sure you’re logged in as an administrator. If not, that’s a good time to switch accounts or run everything as admin.
Confirm the uninstall when prompted. The process isn’t long, but it might ask you to close apps or restart. Honestly, on some machines, this fails the first time; a reboot often helps clear the system state and let it uninstall cleanly. Weird, because Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes.
Step 4: Repeat if Needed
If both Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot are listed separately, do the same for each. Whatever stops it from sticking around on your PC, go ahead and repeat. No harm. Sometimes, they reinstall or stay hidden, so keep an eye on that.
Why this helps & when to do it
This method works because it targets the apps directly, removing those “AI assistant” features at the source. Useful if the Copilot icon or sidebar keeps coming back, or if you’ve disabled it but it still somehow activates. When you notice the icon, the menu options won’t open, or your system keeps pushing AI features on startup, it might be time to give this a shot.
What to expect
Once done, the Copilot icon should vanish from your taskbar or start menu, and prompts to activate AI features should stop. If it’s still hanging around, maybe a quick check of your group policies or registry might be needed—this isn’t perfectly foolproof, but most of the time, it’s enough.
Extra tips & issues
Because, of course, Windows has to make it just a little more complicated than it needs to be, you might need to run PowerShell as admin and use commands to remove residual components. For example, some suggest using Get-AppxPackage or Remove-AppxPackage commands in PowerShell, but that’s more advanced and not always necessary unless you’re tech-savvy or troubleshooting further.
Also, if the uninstallation stubbornly fails, a reboot often kicks things into gear. On rare cases, you might need to boot into safe mode and remove it or use some third-party app removal tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Copilot later if needed?
For sure, you can reinstall through the Windows Store or Microsoft’s official channels if you change your mind. Just remember, it might come back with updates or system resets.
What if I can’t see Copilot in the apps list?
Sometimes, it’s hidden or disabled via Group Policy, especially in enterprise setups. If you’re on a personal machine, make sure your Windows is fully updated, or check if you’ve got any custom policies that hide or block it.
Is removing Copilot enough for child safety?
Not really. It’s a start, but if safety’s a concern, enable parental controls, set up user restrictions, and monitor usage. AI features are just one piece of the puzzle.
Summary
- Access Settings via Start menu or Win + S
- Go to Apps > Installed apps
- Search for
Copilot - Uninstall and restart if needed
- Repeat for Microsoft 365 Copilot if it shows up
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. Fingers crossed this helps.