Microsoft has essentially allowed all Windows 11 users to dump Copilot, its Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) assistant. While average Windows 11 users have a surprisingly straightforward way to uninstall the AI-powered digital assistant, even those stuck using “managed” devices can get rid of Copilot.
Microsoft Copilot Disappears After Recent Windows Update
If you want Copilot back, here’s how to get it.
Microsoft introduces ‘RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp’ as a Policy CSP and Group Policy
IT Admins can uninstall Microsoft Copilot app, but there are a few caveats.
Microsoft has allowed IT administrators to uninstall Copilot from enterprise devices using a new policy setting. The new policies became available after Microsoft deployed the April 2026 Patch Tuesday Cumulative Update.
The AI-powered digital assistant can be uninstalled thanks to the ‘RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp’ policy setting. The new setting is available as a Policy CSP and Group Policy. It is part of this month’s Windows security updates that went out to Windows 11 endpoints. These “managed” devices fall under Microsoft Intune or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).
Microsoft has confirmed that using the new policy setting, IT admins can “uninstall Copilot from devices in your organization in a non-disruptive way.” To enable the new policy, admins have to simply head over to the Group Policy Editor, tap User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows AI > Remove Microsoft Copilot App.
It is important to note that only IT admins have the right to access these settings. Hence, Windows 11 users, whose devices are bought and managed by their company, need to contact the IT staff if they desire to get rid of Copilot on their computers.
Microsoft has set some conditions and restrictions for removing the Copilot app on managed devices. The new policy will only apply to Windows 11 25H2 devices. Simply put, the Windows 11 installation will have to be updated. Furthermore, these devices will need to have Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot installed. Additionally, users must not have voluntarily installed the Microsoft Copilot app or used (or launched) it in the last 28 days.
Microsoft allows every Windows 11 user to get rid of Copilot.
Is Microsoft gradually pumping the brakes on Copilot?
Microsoft had been quite aggressive with the rollout of Copilot. The company seemed extremely confident about Windows users welcoming Copilot with open arms. Needless to say, many did not roll out the red carpet. Surprisingly, Microsoft has tapered its expectations, scaled by the timelines for deployment, and even admitted it was a little overenthusiastic with Gen AI snaking its way into every possible element of Windows 11.
Late last month, Microsoft quietly allowed the average Windows 11 user to get rid of Copilot. Users running Windows 11 Home or Pro versions can now uninstall Copilot by heading over to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, searching for “Copilot,” and selecting “Uninstall“.
Uninstalling the Copilot app through the Settings page is the most straightforward and safest way for personal Windows 11 devices. Microsoft has left a few more ways to get rid of Copilot for more experienced users, including hiding the app’s icon via taskbar settings. One of these methods requires users to tinker with the Windows Registry, and hence, isn’t recommended for the average user.
Source: Techzine
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