How to disable Copilot if it consumes resources or you don't use it

If Copilot is popping up everywhere and you'd prefer a clean desktop, here's a complete guide on how to turn it off, hide it, or uninstall it, depending on your situation. Although Microsoft has integrated AI into Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365, You have control to decide where it is displayed and when it runs..

Before we get down to business, it's important to understand a key point: in the current Windows 11, Copilot works as a web app and its impact on performance is minimal. Disabling it won't turn a slow PC into a fast one.But it does help reduce distractions, limit data processing, and return to a more traditional environment if you don't plan to use it. Let's learn how to How to disable Copilot if it consumes resources or you don't use it. 

What is Copilot today and why does it barely use any resources?

In mid-2024, Microsoft changed its approach and Copilot went from being a deeply integrated component to a web application. That means that, except when you open it, it's not running heavy processes in the background.Therefore, removing the button or uninstalling the app improves aesthetics and eliminates shortcuts, but the performance improvement is usually not noticeable.

That said, many users consider its presence intrusive. If you find the icon, menus, and associated panels uncomfortable, you can remove or disable them piecemeal. on Windows, in the Edge browser, and in every Microsoft 365 app.

Completely uninstall Copilot on Windows 11

In Windows 11, Copilot can be removed like any other application. It is the most direct way to prevent it from being carried out and to remove their access to the system.

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Find Copilot in the list, tap the three dots and choose uninstall.

After this process, the app disappears from the Start menu, the taskbar, and combinations like Alt + Space (which will be free for other uses). If you ever want to get it back, simply reinstall it from the Microsoft StoreThis applies to both Windows 11 and Windows 365 if you work in virtualized environments.

Regarding installing Windows 11 without Copilot, there are older builds that don't include it, but Staying on outdated versions means losing security patches and critical features.If you need a stable, up-to-date system, the sensible thing to do is uninstall Copilot or rely on trusted debloater utilities, rather than freezing the system on old builds.

Hide the Copilot icon from the taskbar

If you don't want to uninstall the app but do want to remove its visual presence, you can remove the button from the taskbar. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and turn off CopilotYou can also right-click the icon and unpin it if it appears pinned. If you'd rather focus only on the Start screen interface, here's how. disable Copilot recommendations.

This option is purely cosmetic: This does not imply that Copilot is active or that it uses resources simply by being visible.but it helps keep the desk clearer.

Remove or hide Copilot in Microsoft Edge

In Edge it is not possible to uninstall Copilot, but it is possible to prevent its button and side panel from being displayed. The integration is superficial and does not control advanced browser functions.Therefore, disabling it will not result in any performance changes.

• Open the Edge settings.
• Sign in Copilot and sidebar.
• Accede to Copilot and uncheck Show the Copilot button in the toolbar.

With this You will stop seeing the access And you'll avoid accidental openings. If you need it in the future, you just have to reactivate the button.

Disable Copilot by application in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Microsoft 365 allows you to turn off Copilot within each app with a clear setting. The control is called “Enable Copilot” and is independent per application and per device.If you use multiple devices, you will have to repeat this process on each one.

Windows

For Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on Windows: File > Options > Copilot and uncheck Enable Copilot. Then press Accept, close and restart the application.

This setting will free you from the panel and the Copilot functionality in that specific app. If you want to use it again at any time, repeat the process and check the box..

Mac

On macOS, open the app (for example, Word) and go to Application menu > Preferences > Editing and Correction Tools > Copilot. Uncheck Enable Copilot and restart the app.

Note that This change affects any user who uses that devicebecause it is a local adjustment of the installation.

Beginning March 13th 2025The Enable Copilot checkbox is available in recent versions of these apps on Windows and Mac. If you don't see the option, update Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.While you wait for the update, you can use the privacy settings (see below).

If all you want is to not see the button, You can customize the ribbon and remove the iconNote: This does not disable the function; it only hides it from the interface.

Deactivate Copilot in Outlook using the “Activate Copilot” switch

Outlook goes its own way: instead of one box per app, it displays a single switch that syncs with your account. Disabling it on one device also applies the preference to all other devices where you log in. with that account.

• Android/iOS/Mac: go into Quick Settings > Copilot and deactivate Activate Copilot.
• Web: Settings > Copilot.
• Windows (new Outlook): Settings > Copilot.

To view the switch on mobile devices, Update to the latest version of Outlook from the corresponding store. On Mac, at least version 1 is required. 16.95.3. The classic version of Outlook on Windows does not currently have this option..

Turn off Copilot by changing the privacy setting when the setting doesn't appear

If your Microsoft 365 apps don't yet include the "Enable Copilot" checkbox, you can check your account's privacy settings. This method disables Copilot, but also cuts off other AI-based features. that might interest you.

Windows

• In the app (for example, PowerPoint): File > Account > Account Privacy > Manage Settings.
• Within connected experiences, uncheck Enable experiences that analyze content.
• Balance Accept, close and restart the application.

Doing it all in one app is enough: The change is replicated to the rest when they reopenIf you later activate the "Enable Copilot" box per app, you can revert the privacy to its previous state.

Mac

• In the app (for example, Word): Preferences > Personal Settings > Privacy.
• En connected experiences, go into Managing connected experiences and uncheck Enable experiences that analyze content.
• Save, close, and restart the application.

Remember the counterpart: Turning off those experiences also disables suggested replies in Outlook, text predictions in Word, Designer in PowerPoint, and automatic alternative text.Consider what you prefer to keep active.

Remove Copilot from Notepad

Since the retirement of WordPad, Notepad has added AI features. To disable Copilot within NotepadPress the gear icon in the upper right corner and turn off the switch. Copilot.

With the switch off, Rewrite options and other generative aids are hidden within the app.

Remove the “Ask Copilot” option from the Windows 11 context menu

Windows adds a right-click entry called “Ask Copilot”. If you don't use it, you can remove it from the menu in two waysBefore that, an important warning.

WARNINGEditing the Registry involves risks. An incorrect change can cause instability, data loss, or prevent Windows from starting up.Make a backup from the Registry Editor (File > Export) and proceed only if you are sure.

Method 1: Manually from the Registry

• Open Registry Editor and navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Shell Extensions.
• create a new key call blocked.
• Within Blocked, create a String value with the name {CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}.
• Optionally, give it a descriptive name to recognize it, for example, Disable Ask Copilot.

Since then, The entry will no longer appear in the context menu.If you change your mind, delete the string value or the Blocked key.

Method 2: .reg file

If you prefer to automate the change, create a .reg file with this content and run it by double-clicking (accept the warning). Then restart the computer:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00


"{CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}"="Ask Copilot"

Keep in mind that Windows feature updates sometimes reset settingsSo you might have to repeat the process. Whether that entry exists or not. It does not increase the team's resource consumption.The purpose of removing it is purely practical/aesthetic.

Copilot key, Recall and other AI features that you can disable

Some new keyboards include a dedicated Copilot key. On compatible devices you can reassign it from Settings > Personalization > Text Input in the "Customize the Copilot key" section, for example, to open Search.

If you participate in the Insider program and have Microsoft Recall in Windows 11You can turn it off from Settings > Privacy and security > Recovery and snapshots, disabling Save snapshots. This prevents the system from saving activity captures for later review..

Other apps, like PaintThey have added generative functions (e.g., Image Creator or generative fill). In professional environments, administrators often use policies or Registry values ​​such as DisableCocreator and DisableGenerativeFill To disable them. If you're going to modify the Registry, first consult the official Microsoft documentation or apply the policies from the Group Policy Editor when it's available in your edition of Windows.

If Word shows the Copilot panel even though you've changed the privacy settings

It's possible that even if you disable "connected experiences that analyze your content," you may still see the icon or a panel informing you that the feature is blocked for privacy reasons. That's normal: the interface may remain visible even when the experience is disabled..

• To hide it completely in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, use the checkbox Enable Copilot within each app (Windows: File > Options > Copilot; Mac: Preferences > Editing and Proofreading Tools > Copilot).
• If the box does not appear, update the app. From the March 13th 2025 It is available in recent versions.
• As a visual alternative, customize the ribbon to remove the Copilot button without disabling the function.

Important: When you turn off experiences that analyze content, It also limits OneDrive and other connected features.If you need to continue saving to the cloud and use collaboration, it's best to disable Copilot per app using its checkbox. restore privacy to its previous state for OneDrive.

Does disabling Copilot improve performance?

Currently, Copilot's impact on resources is low as it functions as a web app. If you're looking for performance, focus on uninstalling bloatware, tweaking startup, optimizing drivers, and freeing up space.Removing Copilot will primarily help reduce distractions and improve your privacy. If you experience errors or crashes, consult information on Problems with Copilot in Windows 11 and its solutions.

The "Ask Copilot" entry in the context menu or the button in Edge does not keep heavy processes running in the background. If you don't mind seeing them, you can leave them as they are.If they visually overwhelm you, you have the steps above to hide or remove them.

Privacy, cloud, and user control

Many users criticize the fact that AI is pushed by default and that everything revolves around the cloud. If you prefer to work locally and decide what gets synced, you can adjust Office so that it doesn't trigger the Word cloud autosave default and always choose "Browse" to save to local folders.

Beyond the noise, the important thing is that There are clear pathways to say “no, thank you” to CopilotUninstall the Windows app, hide access in Edge, and use the "Enable Copilot" option per app in Microsoft 365. Those who want AI can enjoy it; those who don't should have a simple way to turn it off.

Security: best practices if you maintain any AI functions

If you decide to keep AI features, Keep Windows and Office up to date, use strong passwords, and enable two-step verificationWhile AI can make tasks easier, it also expands the attack surface if a vulnerability appears in connected services.

In companies, it is advisable to apply clear data policies, sensitivity labels, and access controlsThe key lies in a balance between productivity and risk, with transparency for the end user.

When each method is appropriate

If you're only bothered by seeing the icon, Hiding the button in the taskbar and in Edge is immediate.If you're not going to use Copilot at all, uninstall the app on Windows y Turn it off via the app in Microsoft 365 It will give you a consistent experience throughout the entire environment.

For those who share equipment or manage multiple devices, Outlook's "Activate Copilot" switch It's very practical, as it synchronizes preferences across all devices on the account. In more demanding cases, privacy settings and policies They are the fine control tool.

If you still see traces (icons or inactive entries) after all this, remember: Visual presence does not imply that Copilot is workingIt is common for the interface to remain while the function is disabled behind the scenes.

With all of the above, you should be able to have Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365 to your liking. Removing Copilot is possible, reversible, and shouldn't disrupt your workflow If you choose the right method: uninstall the app on Windows, hide its button in Edge, use the "Enable Copilot" option for each app, and, when necessary, resort to privacy settings or policies. And if an update restores any access, you'll know where to turn it off.