How to Remove or Disable Copilot AI in Windows 11: Updated Beta Options (2026-01-22)

Overview

Date: 2026-01-22

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant integrated into Windows 11 that appears in the taskbar and responds to shortcuts like Win + C. While many users appreciate its features, others prefer a classic, AI-free desktop. In recent Insider Preview and Beta releases Microsoft added more options to control or remove Copilot. This article explains the practical ways to hide, disable, or remove Copilot depending on your Windows edition and build.

Quick distinction: Hide versus Remove

Hide: Removes the Copilot icon from the taskbar and prevents casual access but does not uninstall the component.

Disable or Remove: Stops Copilot from running and, in some Beta builds, allows uninstalling or preventing reinstallation. Availability of full removal depends on your Windows edition and the specific Insider Preview or Beta update installed.

Method 1: Hide Copilot from the taskbar

If you only want Copilot out of sight without changing system files, use the taskbar settings.

• Right click an empty area of the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
• Scroll to taskbar items and find Copilot.
• Toggle the Copilot switch to Off. The button will be removed from the taskbar.

Note that Copilot can still be invoked with keyboard shortcuts such as Win + C until it is disabled or removed by other methods.

Method 2: Disable Copilot using Group Policy (Pro, Enterprise, Education)

Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions can use Group Policy to block Copilot more completely. Exact policy names can vary with different Insider and Beta builds, so follow the general procedure and look for Copilot related settings.

• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
• In the left pane, expand Computer Configuration then Administrative Templates. Look under Windows Components for a Copilot or AI assistant entry.
• If a Copilot policy is present, set it to Disabled or Turned Off as described by the policy text.
• Restart or sign out for the changes to take effect.

Because Microsoft refines policy names between releases, search for terms such as Copilot, Windows Copilot, or AI assistant in the Group Policy Editor if you do not see an obvious entry.

Method 3: Uninstall or block Copilot in Beta and Insider Preview builds

Recent Beta and Insider Preview updates have introduced an option to uninstall or fully block Copilot for some users. If you are on a qualifying Beta build, check the Apps settings.

• Open Settings and go to Apps then Apps & features.
• Search for entries named Copilot or similar; some Beta builds expose Copilot as an uninstallable component or optional feature.
• If an uninstall option appears, follow the prompts and restart when required.

If uninstall is not exposed in Settings, the component remains integrated and other methods such as Group Policy or registry changes may be required.

Method 4: Registry options for Windows Home users (use caution)

Windows Home does not include the Local Group Policy Editor, so a registry change is the common alternative. Changing the registry carries risk. Back up the registry or create a system restore point before proceeding.

• Open Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Search for policy keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows or similar locations for Copilot related keys. Values and key names may vary between builds.
• Create or modify a policy value as documented for your specific build to disable Copilot, then restart the PC.

Because registry locations and value names vary with updates, check Microsoft documentation or Insider release notes that match your build before editing keys.

Best practices and troubleshooting

• Keep Windows updated: Newer Beta and Insider builds add clearer controls. If removal options are important to you, consider enrolling in the Windows Insider Program and selecting a channel that offers the feature.
• Backup first: Create a restore point before using Group Policy or registry edits.
• Check settings after updates: Major Windows updates may restore Copilot components or reset settings. Recheck your disablement after cumulative updates.
• Use official guidance: For enterprise environments, follow Microsoft documentation and your organization policy before applying broad changes.

Conclusion

As of the 2026-01-22 Beta and Insider releases, Microsoft provides multiple ways to hide, disable, or in some builds uninstall Copilot. The simplest approach is to hide the taskbar button. For more complete removal, use Group Policy on professional editions or the new uninstall options available in recent Beta builds. Windows Home users can use registry edits but should exercise caution. Always back up your system and refer to release notes that match your Windows build for the most accurate steps.