DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
Redmond desk5 min

How to Turn Off Microsoft Copilot Features You Don’t Want

Microsoft Copilot has separate controls in Windows, Edge, Microsoft 365 apps, and personal Copilot. Use the right setting for the feature you want to remove or limit.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

There is no single switch that turns off every Microsoft Copilot feature. Choose the control for the place you see it: uninstall the Windows Copilot app, change its launch shortcut, restrict Copilot’s access to Edge page context, disable Copilot in supported Microsoft 365 desktop apps, or adjust personal Copilot privacy settings. Each change has a different scope; work or school accounts may also be managed by an organization.

Choose the Copilot control that matches what you want to stop

Where you see Copilot What the control does Scope to keep in mind
Windows 11 app Uninstalls the standalone Copilot app Does not establish that Copilot is off in Edge or Microsoft 365
Windows launch shortcut Changes how the Copilot key or Windows+C behaves Changes a launch method, not whether the app is installed
Microsoft Edge Stops Copilot from using webpage context, or separately hides its toolbar button These are separate settings
Microsoft 365 desktop app Disables Copilot in a supported app Set it separately for each app and device
Personal Copilot app Controls saved memories and shared experiences Changes personalization, not app installation

Remove the Copilot app from Windows 11

To uninstall the standalone app, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, search for Copilot, select its three-dot More options menu, then choose Uninstall. Microsoft says new Windows 11 PCs may include the app by default. This removes the app from the device, not Copilot features built into other Microsoft products. See Microsoft’s Windows Copilot installation and removal guidance.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For managed devices, Microsoft documents administrative app-management methods, including PowerShell and AppLocker. Those are not necessary for ordinary consumer removal. Avoid treating the older TurnOffWindowsCopilot policy or registry workaround as a universal fix: Microsoft marks the policy deprecated and directs administrators toward AppLocker for preventing installation or launch of the consumer app. Its stated scope is limited and does not cover every newer Copilot experience. See Microsoft’s Windows Copilot management guidance and WindowsAI Policy CSP reference.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Change the Windows Copilot launch shortcut

If you want to stop opening Copilot accidentally but keep the app installed, change its shortcut behavior instead. Microsoft documents the Copilot key and Windows+C as launch methods; shortcut behavior can be configured at Account > Settings > Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts. Available choices may depend on your device and account configuration. This affects how Copilot launches, not whether the app or other Copilot features remain available. See Microsoft’s Windows shortcut instructions.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard with Pen Storage, Compatible with Copilot+ (11th Edition), Surface 9 and 8, Alcantara Material, Black
  • Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
  • Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
  • Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
  • Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
  • Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.

Stop Copilot in Edge from using webpage context

In Edge, open More (…) > Copilot and AI, then turn off Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web. Microsoft says this prevents Copilot from using the current webpage, page title, open tabs, or browser history when responding. It restricts context access; it is not the same as uninstalling Copilot or removing every Copilot entry point.

To hide only the toolbar button, use the separate appearance control for showing the Copilot button. Hiding the button is a visual change and does not by itself disable Copilot or block page-context use. See Microsoft’s Edge Copilot guide.

Organizations can manage Edge Copilot with the EdgeCopilotEnabled policy. Its documented behavior and platform support are specific: the policy reference lists Android and iOS versions 123 and later, and says Windows and macOS are not supported by this particular policy. Do not rely on it as a universal desktop Edge control. See the EdgeCopilotEnabled policy reference.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Sale
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard for Surface Pro Copilot+ (11th Edition), Pro 9 and 8 with Pen Storage, Alcantara Material, Platinum
  • Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
  • Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
  • Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
  • Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
  • Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.

Turn Copilot off in supported Microsoft 365 desktop apps

For a personal Microsoft account, supported desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote have an app-specific Enable Copilot checkbox. On Windows, open the app and go to File > Options > Copilot, clear Enable Copilot, confirm, and restart the app. On Mac, where the setting is available, use the app menu’s Preferences > Authoring and Proofing Tools > Copilot, clear the checkbox, and restart.

Repeat the change in every app and on every device where you want Copilot off. Removing its ribbon icon only hides that entry point; it does not disable Copilot access by other means. Microsoft’s instructions are at Turn off Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps.

Check version and platform if the checkbox is missing

Microsoft’s availability list dated March 13, 2025, names these minimum versions for the checkbox: Windows Word 2412, Excel 2501, PowerPoint 2501, and OneNote 2502; Mac Word 16.93, Excel 16.93.2, and PowerPoint 16.93.2. These are historical availability thresholds, not a claim about the latest releases. Microsoft says the checkbox is not available in iOS, Android, or web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; check your installed app version because availability can change. See Microsoft’s Microsoft 365 Copilot privacy and availability guidance.

Rank #3
Sale
Logitech Signature Slim MK955 for Business Combo - Copilot Edition
  • Unlock Microsoft Copilot in Windows (1) with a dedicated Copilot key: Seamlessly add the everyday AI companion to employee workflows for elevated productivity with a single keystroke
  • Laptop-Style Typing, Designed for Windows: The slim keyboard comes in a Windows layout and delivers a familiar, laptop-style typing experience that employees desire
  • Enterprise Secure: Logi Bolt wireless technology addresses security concerns with Bluetooth Low Energy; equipped with Secure Connections Only Mode - Logi Bolt receiver included
  • SmartWheel Technology: Designed for different work tasks, the mouse provides precise, line-by-line scrolling or super fast scrolling with a flick of its SmartWheel
  • Switch Between Devices: Connect via Logi Bolt or Bluetooth and seamlessly switch between 3 of your devices with the Easy-Switch buttons for easy multitasking

Use the broader privacy setting only if its trade-off is acceptable

If the app-specific checkbox is unavailable, Microsoft documents turning off Experiences that analyze content in Microsoft 365 account privacy settings. On Windows, use File > Account > Account Privacy > Manage Settings. On Mac, use the app’s Preferences > Personal Settings > Privacy > Connected Experiences. Restart apps after changing it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

This is broader than a Copilot switch: it can also affect features such as Outlook suggested replies, Word text predictions, PowerPoint Designer, and automatic image alt text. Consider that loss before using it as a fallback. Microsoft says the app-specific controls described above are not available when signed in with a work or school account. It also says there is currently no estimated date for an on/off toggle in classic Outlook on Windows; Outlook behavior varies by version and platform.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Adjust memory and shared experiences in personal Copilot

In the updated personal Copilot app covered by Microsoft’s guidance dated August 18, 2026, open Settings > Personalization and turn off Saved memories or One shared experience, as applicable. Turning off saved memories does not delete memories already stored: use Manage > Delete all memories to remove them. Personalized advertising is a separate control. These settings change personalization or data use; they do not uninstall Copilot. See Microsoft’s current personal Copilot privacy controls.

Rank #4
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard Without Pen Storage for Surface Pro Copilot+ (11th Edition), Pro 9 and 8, Alcantara Material, Black
  • Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
  • Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
  • Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
  • Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
  • Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.

Microsoft’s older privacy article applies to an earlier app version and explicitly excludes the updated app. Its controls for personalization, usage data, training opt-out, chat history, and advertising are distinct; for example, opting out of training does not necessarily turn off personalization. Use the settings documented for the version you have rather than assuming older menu paths still apply. See Microsoft’s older-version privacy guidance.

Work or school accounts may have different controls

Personal-account instructions may not apply to an organization account. Administrators can govern which Copilot experiences are available, and controls may differ between Copilot Chat and Copilot in other apps. If a setting is missing or locked, check with your organization’s IT administrator rather than assuming the consumer instructions apply. See Microsoft’s Copilot Chat management guidance.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard with Pen Storage, Compatible with Copilot+ (11th Edition), Surface 9 and 8, Alcantara Material, Black
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard with Pen Storage, Compatible with Copilot+ (11th Edition), Surface 9 and 8, Alcantara Material, Black
Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key; Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
$121.31
SaleBestseller No. 2
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard for Surface Pro Copilot+ (11th Edition), Pro 9 and 8 with Pen Storage, Alcantara Material, Platinum
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard for Surface Pro Copilot+ (11th Edition), Pro 9 and 8 with Pen Storage, Alcantara Material, Platinum
Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key; Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
$129.99
Bestseller No. 4
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard Without Pen Storage for Surface Pro Copilot+ (11th Edition), Pro 9 and 8, Alcantara Material, Black
Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard Without Pen Storage for Surface Pro Copilot+ (11th Edition), Pro 9 and 8, Alcantara Material, Black
Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key; Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.