Microsoft introduced Windows 11 Group Policy and Registry settings to permanently disable and remove the Copilot AI assistant.
The "Remove Microsoft Copilot app" setting prevents the assistant from reinstalling during system updates. This shifts Microsoft's previous strategy of embedding Copilot throughout the operating system.
Reports show only 3.3% of eligible Windows users currently pay for Copilot.
The change responds to enterprise and user pushback regarding forced AI integration, resource consumption, and data privacy.