Windows 11 now exposes AI features across the operating system. Copilot is pinned to the taskbar, appears in Settings, and is integrated into bundled apps such as Notepad and Paint. There is no global switch to disable all of this, and turning off individual features does not stop them from being reinstalled by updates.
A free community script called RemoveWindowsAI addresses that gap. It disables Windows AI features at the system level and then configures Windows Update to avoid reinstalling them. The script targets Copilot, Recall, and Copilot integrations inside core 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 across cumulative updates, which is something 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 tied to Microsoft's AI features.
What the script changes
When run with all options enabled, RemoveWindowsAI removes Copilot from the taskbar and uninstalls the Copilot app entirely. References to Copilot disappear from the Settings app, and AI buttons inside applications such as Notepad and Paint are disabled.
The script also attempts to prevent those components from returning. After disabling the features, it applies update-related workarounds so Windows Update does not automatically reinstall the removed 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. No reboot is usually required, although some app-level changes may only be visible after restarting the affected applications.
Running RemoveWindowsAI
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 the version is PowerShell 5.1.
- Copy the install command from the RemoveWindowsAI project page. The command is not repeated here because 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 rerun later to re-enable features, though future Windows updates may still require reapplying the changes.
Impact and limitations
The main advantage is consistency. Windows provides individual toggles for some AI features, but they do not cover all integrations and are frequently reset. RemoveWindowsAI applies a single set of changes that affect the entire system.
There are limitations. The script is unofficial and relies on current Windows behavior. Feature updates or major version upgrades can 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 offer a supported way to disable all AI features globally, and this approach remains dependent on community maintenance.
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