Microsoft's aggressive integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 has become a flashpoint for many users, sparking concerns over privacy, performance, and overall user control. As Microsoft increasingly embeds AI deeper into the operating system, many PC owners are asking a critical question: how do we get rid of it? As of February 2026, while completely purging every trace of AI from Windows 11 remains a challenge due to its deep integration, we've compiled the most effective strategies to reclaim your PC and disable these often-unwanted features.
The Nuclear Option: The Remove Windows AI Script
For those seeking the most thorough approach to scrubbing AI from Windows 11, the script by zoicware is a powerful, community-driven solution. This PowerShell script, available with an optional graphical user interface (GUI), automates the complex process of disabling and removing a wide array of AI components.
What It Does
The script is designed to tackle AI features across the operating system. It specifically targets and disables:
- Copilot and its integrations in applications like Edge and Paint.
- Recall, Microsoft's controversial screen-capture AI.
- AI Actions.
- The script also removes all AI Appx packages, including those Microsoft designates as "Nonremovable," and WindowsWorkload.
- It inhibits the reinstallation of removed packages, removes the Recall Optional Feature, and cleans up hidden and locked AI packages in the CBS store.
- It also performs a full system cleanup, removing residual AI installers, registry keys, and package files, and even hides the "AI Components" settings page.
- The Rewrite AI Feature in Notepad and all instances of Recall's scheduled tasks are also forcibly removed.
- Beyond disabling, the script offers options to replace modern AI-infested apps with classic versions of Notepad, Paint, Snipping Tool, and Photo Viewer, and can install Photos Legacy. It even supports a backup mode to revert changes, which we strongly recommend using.
Prerequisites and Warnings
Before you embark on this deep cleanse, there are crucial prerequisites and warnings to heed:
- System Compatibility: You need Windows 11, version 25H2 or later.
- PowerShell Version: A critical point: the script is not supported with PowerShell 7; you must use Windows PowerShell (5.1). Running it with the wrong version can cause unforeseen issues.
- Backup, Backup, Backup: We cannot stress this enough: A full backup of your computer is recommended before running the script, as some commands are non-reversible, meaning changes cannot be undone without reinstalling Windows or restoring from a backup. We view this as a non-negotiable step.
- Third-Party Tool: This is a third-party script, not supported by Microsoft, meaning users should proceed at their own risk.
- Antivirus False Positives: Some third-party antivirus software may falsely detect the script as malicious, requiring you to temporarily disable your antivirus or set an exclusion.
- Evolving Target: Windows 11 is a "moving target," and while the script is actively maintained, new AI features introduced in Insider builds aren't included until they reach a stable release, meaning continuous vigilance is needed.
Our take: While the script offers the most thorough solution, its third-party nature and the potential for non-reversible changes demand a cautious approach. It's a powerful weapon in the fight against unwanted AI, but one that requires careful handling and, most importantly, a recent system backup.
Fine-Tuning Your Experience: Manual Disabling for Specific Features
Even if you opt for the script, or if you prefer a more granular approach, many AI features can be managed and disabled manually. This often involves navigating Windows Settings, editing the Registry, or using the Group Policy Editor for Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
General Text and Image Generation
Microsoft now provides some centralized control over on-device generative AI:
- Starting with Windows 11 build 26120.4741 (Beta 24H2) and build 26200.5710 (Dev 25H2), you can manage text and image generation in Settings > Privacy & security > Text and image generation. Here, you can toggle this feature for all users or the current user.
- Individual apps can also be allowed or denied access to these features.
- For a system-wide approach, especially in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, the Local Group Policy Editor enables or disables the "Let Windows apps make use of Text and image generative features of Windows" policy under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI. Registry files can achieve the same for all editions.
Note: Turning off "Text and image generation" only affects on-device AI and does not impact apps and features relying on cloud AI technologies.
Taming Copilot
Copilot, in its various forms, is arguably the most ubiquitous AI feature in Windows 11.
- Uninstalling the Core App: Copilot is installed as a standard Windows app. Uninstalling the main Copilot application from the Start menu will remove its icon from the Taskbar, the right-click context menu in File Explorer, and "Ask Copilot" features, including Voice and Vision. It can be reinstalled from the Microsoft Store.
- Startup Behavior: Both "Copilot" and "Microsoft 365 Copilot" can be prevented from launching at startup via Task Manager > Startup apps.
- Windows Search Cleanup: Even after uninstalling, the Copilot logo may persist in Windows Search. You can clean this up with a Registry edit by setting to 1 under .
- Edge Browser Integration: In Edge Settings > Appearance > Copilot and sidebar, turn off the "Show Copilot button on the toolbar" and other related toggles. Further AI features, like "Use Copilot for writing on the web" (under Languages) and "Copilot Mode" (under AI innovations), can also be turned off.
- Notepad Integration: In Notepad, click the Settings icon and navigate to "AI Features" to turn off Copilot.
- Microsoft 365 Apps: For Microsoft 365 subscribers, Copilot integration in apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can be turned off within the app's settings (e.g., Word: File > Options > Copilot, then uncheck "Enable Copilot").
- Copilot Key: New laptops often feature a dedicated Copilot key. You can customize its function in Settings > Personalization > Text input > Customize Copilot key on your keyboard, with options to remap it to "Search" or other AI apps.
- Blocking Shell Extension: If you wish to keep Copilot installed but remove its context menu option in File Explorer, you can use a Registry edit to block the Copilot shell extension.
Disabling Windows Recall
Windows Recall, designed for Copilot+ PCs, continuously captures screen snapshots.
- Recall is disabled by default.
- Microsoft allows users to uninstall Recall completely. You can do this via Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows features and unchecking "Recall".
- Alternatively, use PowerShell with or Command Prompt (DISM) with .
Managing AI Actions in File Explorer
The "AI Actions" in the File Explorer context menu (e.g., visual search, blur background) can be removed by turning off toggles for related apps in Settings > Apps > Actions. However, the "AI Actions" label may still appear as "No actions available" until a future Microsoft update allows its complete removal.
Removing Paint AI Features
Microsoft Paint has received several AI-powered additions, but disabling them can be tricky as Microsoft doesn't offer a simple toggle.
- Registry Edits: You can disable Image Creator, Generative Fill, and Cocreator by creating DWORD (32-bit) values (, , ) and setting their data to 1 under .
- Group Policy Editor: For Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, enable policies like "Disable Cocreator," "Disable generative fill," and "Disable Image Creator" under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Paint.
- Lingering Features: Even with these changes, the Copilot logo, Generative erase, and Background remover may still be present. Unfortunately, Generative erase and Remove background AI features currently cannot be removed.
- Classic Paint: An alternative is to replace the new Paint app with the classic MS Paint by installing an older version and disabling the "Paint" app execution alias in Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings.
Opting Out of Photos App AI
The modern Windows Photos app includes Copilot and other AI features. Microsoft does not offer a direct way to turn off these AI features through simple settings.
- Photos Legacy: The best solution is to install the "Photos Legacy" app, which lacks AI editing, from within the Photos app's settings. Uninstalling the modern Photos app will make Photos Legacy the default image viewer.
Outlook and OneDrive AI Controls
- Outlook: To prevent Outlook from analyzing email content for "connected experiences" that may use AI, turn this off in Settings > General > Privacy & data > Privacy settings by disabling "Turn on experiences that analyze your content." For Microsoft 365 subscribers, Copilot integration can be turned off in Outlook Settings > Copilot by disabling "Turn on Copilot."
- OneDrive: OneDrive uses AI to recognize faces in photos. You can turn this off in the OneDrive app settings (accessed via browser) under Photos, by disabling "Use tags to find and organize photos."
Gaming AI Features
- Gaming Copilot: This beta feature in Xbox Game Bar can be disabled by turning off data collection toggles in the Gaming Copilot panel > Settings > Privacy settings, and then disabling the Gaming Copilot widget in Game Bar panel > Settings > More settings > Widgets.
- Edge Game Assist: We also recommend turning off Microsoft Edge Game Assist.
Windows Studio Effects
For PCs with compatible NPUs, Windows Studio Effects provides AI-powered video and audio enhancements. You can disable these in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, by selecting your camera, then in Advanced camera options > Edit, turning off "Use Windows Studio Effects".
Disabling Click to Do
Click to Do, a feature on Copilot+ PCs, allows users to send selected content to Copilot for AI actions.
- You can turn it off in Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history (or Windows permissions).
- For Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, you can disable the "Click to Do" policy via Group Policy Editor under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI.
Browser-Based AI
Modern web browsers also integrate AI features:
- Google Chrome: Control AI features in Settings > AI innovations.
- Microsoft Edge: Besides Copilot, control AI features in Settings > AI innovations.
- Mozilla Firefox: To access local AI features, type in the address bar and search for settings like and .
- Google Search AI Overviews: On a per-search basis, add to your queries to disable AI Overviews. Browser extensions can also permanently disable them.
Bringing Back the Classics
For those who crave a simpler Windows experience, free from modern AI-infused apps and telemetry, consider these options:
- The script can replace modern apps like Notepad, Paint, Snipping Tool, and Photo Viewer with their classic versions.
- For the Start Menu, Open-Shell can bring back a Windows 2000-style experience, free of ads and "nonsense."
- Tools like Winaero Tweaker and WinToys are also useful for customizing various Windows features, though they may not directly address AI components in the same way does.
- For Edge, the script by ShadowWhisperer (GitHub) provides a way to remove the browser entirely.
Before You Start: Essential Safeguards
We've emphasized this throughout, but it bears repeating:
- Backup Your System: Any significant changes to your operating system, especially involving Registry or Group Policy edits or powerful scripts, carry inherent risks. Create a full system backup or a restore point before proceeding. A small mistake can cause unexpected system issues.
- Antivirus Awareness: Be prepared for your antivirus software to potentially flag legitimate debloat tools or scripts as malicious. Temporarily disabling it or setting exclusions may be necessary.
Our Perspective: Why Go AI-Free?
Microsoft's intentional embedding of AI into Windows 11 has created a contentious environment. Many users question how to disable or remove these AI features. While Microsoft touts strengths like "seamless integration, productivity gains, customizable controls, and transparency", the reality for many users is different.
We believe that disabling AI in Windows is crucial for several reasons:
- Maintaining Focus: Unwanted AI features can be distracting and add unnecessary clutter to your workflow.
- Preserving Privacy: Concerns about data collection, potential data breaches, and implicit data sharing through AI features are frequent. Giving users the option to opt-out or remove AI is vital, particularly for Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise licenses.
- Improving Performance: AI features, especially those constantly running in the background, can increase resource usage, potentially impacting system performance, particularly on older or less powerful hardware.
- Ensuring User Choice: Ultimately, users should have the final say over the software running on their machines. Microsoft's aggressive AI push has led to the moniker "Microslop" among frustrated users who view Windows 11 as an OS with unwanted AI features. The lack of official, simple ways to remove deeply integrated AI is a clear misstep.
The limitations are real: residual services like telemetry and cloud syncing may persist, the availability of options is inconsistent, and some AI features remain unremovable. Privacy concerns about data breaches and implicit data sharing, along with increased resource usage, are also valid.
The Ongoing Battle
Windows 11 is a "moving target". New AI features and components are expected in future builds, meaning continuous vigilance is needed. Even after you've "turned off" AI, new toggles may appear, or existing options may change with Windows updates. Regularly check for new settings or community-driven solutions to maintain your AI-free computing environment.
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