How to Turn Off Microsoft AI Features

Microsoft put AI helpers everywhere on Windows computers/laptops. You see those AI features in Windows, Notepad, Paint, Edge browser, and many other apps. Some people like these AI features. But others find them annoying or confusing. Too much AI? Don’t worry – you can turn most of it off.

Note: This guide works best on newer Windows 11 computers and Copilot+ PCs. Older computers might work a bit different, but the steps should be pretty similar.

What is AI on Windows?

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It’s like having a computer helper that tries to guess what you want to do. Microsoft added these helpers to make computers easier to use. But sometimes they get in the way or do things you don’t want.

These AI helpers can:

• Suggest text while you type
• Help create pictures
• Answer questions
• Start programs automatically
• Pop up when you don’t expect them

If you don’t like these features, you can turn them off. Your computer will work just fine without them.

Turn Off Copilot

Copilot is Microsoft’s main AI helper. It started in February 2023. Microsoft slowly added it to computers over time. Now it comes on many new computers and has its own button on the taskbar.

Copilot can chat with you, answer questions, and help with tasks. Some people love it. Others think it’s annoying. Here’s how to control it or remove it completely.

Remove the Copilot Button

The easiest first step is removing the Copilot button from your taskbar. This button sits next to your other program buttons at the bottom of your screen.

Here’s how to remove it:

1. Look for the Copilot button on your taskbar (it looks like two curved lines)
2. Right-click on the button
3. Click “unpin from taskbar”
4. The button disappears

Now Copilot won’t take up space on your taskbar. But it’s still on your computer.

Stop Copilot from Starting Automatically

By default, Copilot starts every time you turn on your computer. This uses memory and can slow things down. You can stop this automatic startup.

Follow these steps:

1. Click the Windows button (bottom left corner of your screen)
2. Click “Settings” (it looks like a gear)
3. Look for Copilot in the settings menu
4. Find “Auto start on log in”
5. Click the switch to turn it off
6. Now Copilot won’t start when you boot up your computer

Turn Off Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows has keyboard shortcuts that open Copilot. You might accidentally press these keys and open Copilot when you don’t want to. Here’s how to turn off these shortcuts:

1. Go to Copilot settings (same as above)
2. Find “Open Copilot using Alt+Spacebar”
3. Turn off this option
4. Now pressing Alt+Spacebar won’t open Copilot

Delete Copilot Completely

Don’t want Copilot on your computer at all? You can delete it completely. This frees up space and makes sure it never bothers you again.

Here’s how to uninstall Copilot:

1. Click the Windows button
2. Click “Settings”
3. Click “Apps” on the left side
4. Click “Installed apps”
5. Scroll down to find “Copilot”
6. Click the three dots next to Copilot
7. Click “Uninstall”
8. Confirm that you want to remove it
9. Wait for Windows to delete Copilot

After this, Copilot is gone from your computer. You can always reinstall it later from the Microsoft Store if you change your mind.

Turn Off AI in Edge Browser

Edge is Microsoft’s web browser. It comes with Windows computers. Edge has lots of AI features built in. You’ll see AI suggestions, chatbots, and other smart features while browsing the web.

These AI features include:

• Chat suggestions while browsing
• AI-powered search help
• Automatic text completion
• Smart shopping suggestions
• Content summaries

If these features annoy you, here’s how to turn them off:

Remove Copilot from Edge

1. Open the Edge browser
2. Look for three dots in the top-right corner
3. Click these dots to open the menu
4. Click “Settings” from the menu
5. Look for “Copilot and sidebar” on the left side
6. Click on it
7. Find the Copilot section
8. Turn off “Show Copilot button on the toolbar”

Now the Copilot button disappears from Edge completely. You won’t see it while browsing websites.

Turn Off Other Edge AI Features

Edge has other AI features you might want to disable:

1. Go to Edge Settings (same steps as above)
2. Look for “Privacy, search, and services”
3. Scroll down to find AI-related options
4. Turn off features you don’t want
5. Save your changes

This removes most AI helpers from your browsing experience.

Turn Off AI in Simple Apps

Microsoft didn’t stop with big programs. They added AI to simple apps like Notepad and Paint. These are basic programs that many people use every day.

Remove AI from Notepad

Notepad is a simple text editor. It’s been around for decades. Now it has AI features that suggest text and help with writing. Some people find this helpful. Others think it’s distracting.

To turn off AI in Notepad:

1. Open Notepad (search for it in the Start menu)
2. Look for a gear icon in the top-right corner
3. Click the gear icon
4. Find the Copilot option
5. Turn off the Copilot toggle switch
6. Close the settings

Now Notepad works like it used to, without AI suggestions.

The Paint Problem

Paint is Windows’ basic drawing program. Microsoft added AI features to help create and edit pictures. These features can suggest improvements, create art from text descriptions, and help with image editing.

Unfortunately, you can’t turn off AI in Paint right now. Even if you uninstall Paint completely, the AI features come back when you reinstall it. This is frustrating for people who just want simple drawing tools.

Microsoft used to let people turn off Paint’s AI features. They might bring back this option in future updates. For now, you’re stuck with AI in Paint.

Other Apps with AI

Microsoft keeps adding AI to more apps. You might find AI features in:

• Calculator (for complex math problems)
• Photos (for organizing and editing pictures)
• Mail (for writing emails)
• Calendar (for scheduling help)

Check the settings in each app to see if you can turn off AI features.

Why Some People Don’t Like AI

AI can be really helpful. It can save time, suggest good ideas, and make computers easier to use. But there are good reasons why some people want to turn it off:

Privacy concerns: AI features often send your data to Microsoft’s servers. Some people don’t want their personal information analyzed by computers.

Distraction: Pop-up suggestions and AI helpers can interrupt your work. They might suggest things when you’re trying to focus.

Mistakes: AI isn’t perfect. It sometimes gives wrong answers or bad suggestions. This can be frustrating.

Slow computers: AI features use computer memory and processing power. On older computers, this can make everything run slower.

Learning: Some people want to learn things themselves instead of having AI do the work. Turning off AI helps them practice and improve their skills.

Simple preferences: Some people just like simple, clean interfaces without extra features they don’t need.

What Happens When You Turn Off AI?

Your computer will work perfectly fine without AI features. In fact, it might work better in some ways:

• Programs might start faster
• You’ll see fewer pop-ups and suggestions
• Your computer might run smoother
• You’ll have more privacy
• The interface will be cleaner and simpler

You won’t lose any important features. All the basic functions of Windows, Edge, Notepad, and other programs will still work exactly as they should.

Can You Turn AI Back On?

Yes! If you change your mind later, you can turn most AI features back on. Just go back to the same settings and flip the switches. For Copilot, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

This means you can experiment safely. Try turning off AI features for a week or two. If you miss them, turn them back on. If you like the cleaner experience, keep them off.

Final Tips

Remember these important points:

• Start by just turning off features instead of uninstalling everything
• Try one change at a time to see how it affects your computer
• Keep your computer updated – Microsoft might add new AI controls
• Ask for help if you get stuck – these settings can be confusing

Taking control of AI on your computer is your choice. Some people love these smart features. Others prefer the simple, classic computer experience. Both choices are perfectly fine. Use these steps to make your computer work the way you want it to.