Windows 11 now exposes AI features throughout the operating system. CoPilot is pinned to the taskbar, visible in Settings, and integrated into bundled apps like Notepad and Paint. There’s no global switch to disable all of these, and turning off individual features won’t prevent them from being reinstalled by updates.
A free community script called RemoveWindowsAI addresses that gap. This disables Windows AI features at the system level and then configures Windows Update to avoid reinstalling them. The script targets Copilot, Recall, and Copilot integration inside the main applications, with options to disable everything or only selected components.
RemoveWindowsAI works by applying a set of registry changes rather than modifying system files. The goal is to remove visible AI entry points and keep them disabled in cumulative updates, which Windows does not currently support through official settings.
The script is designed for users who want Windows to behave like a traditional desktop operating system, without persistent prompts or UI elements associated with Microsoft’s AI features.
what changes the script
When run with all options enabled, RemoveWindowsAI removes Copilot from the taskbar and completely uninstalls the Copilot app. References to CoPilot disappear from the Settings app, and AI buttons inside applications like Notepad and Paint are disabled.
The script also attempts to prevent those components from returning. After disabling features, it applies update-related workarounds so that Windows Update does not automatically reinstall deleted AI packages. This matters because CoPilot and related features are often restored during monthly updates.
Changes are applied immediately, and the script reports progress directly in the PowerShell window. A reboot is usually not required, although some app-level changes may only become visible after restarting the affected application.
RemoveWindowsAI is running
RemoveWindowsAI must be run using Windows PowerShell 5.1. Systems that only use the default PowerShell included with Windows are already compatible. Powershell 7 is not supported.
To use the script:
- open windows powershell As an administrator.
- Confirm that the version is PowerShell 5.1.
- Copy the install command from the removeWindowsAI project page. The order is not repeated here as it may change.
- Paste the command into PowerShell and run it.
- Select which AI features to disable when the menu appears.
The script can be re-run later to re-enable the features, although future Windows updates may still require the changes to be reapplied.
Impact and limitations
The main advantage is continuity. Windows offers separate toggles for some AI features, but they don’t cover all integrations and are often reset. RemoveWindowsAI applies a set of changes that affect the entire system.
There are limits. The script is unofficial and depends on current Windows behavior. Feature updates or major version upgrades may reintroduce AI components or override update blocks. New AI features added by Microsoft may not be covered until the script is updated.
Microsoft does not provide a supported way to disable all AI features globally, and this approach remains dependent on community maintenance.
