tech
Microsoft will finally let you uninstall Copilot
Microsoft’s April 2026 update lets users and administrators fully uninstall the Copilot app from Windows 11. The move follows poor adoption numbers, with only 3.3 per cent of eligible users paying for Copilot, and persistent criticism that Microsoft forced AI features on users without adequate control.
TL;DR
- Microsoft's April 2026 update allows for the full uninstallation of the Copilot app on Windows 11.
- Both regular users via Settings and IT administrators via Group Policy can now remove Copilot.
- The change addresses low adoption rates, with only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users paying for Copilot.
- Previously, removing Copilot required workarounds like PowerShell scripts or registry edits.
- The uninstall option does not affect other AI features integrated into Windows 11 applications like Paint or Edge.
- This move is part of a broader Windows 11 cleanup effort to remove unused legacy features and pre-installed software.
- Enterprise customers have voiced significant concerns about forced AI integration without adequate controls.
- The decision reflects a broader industry trend of users pushing back against AI tools imposed without clear value.