Windows 10: A Free Script Disables Built-In AI Features Across Windows 11

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:

1. Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Confirm the version is PowerShell 5.1.
3. Copy the install command from the RemoveWindowsAI project page. The command is not repeated here because it may change.
4. Paste the command into PowerShell and run it.
5. 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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How do I disable Copilot and all Other AI functionality in Windows 11 HOME edition

I want to fully disable (or preferably remove) Copilot and all other AI functionality in Windows 11 Home Edition. This question may belong under another topic; I just guessed at Settings.



See the bottom of this post for system information. Below are specific questions related to the details of disabling Copilot and AI functionality. I have not been able to find any of this information on any Microsoft resources; perhaps I missed something?.

• Disabling Copilot in Windows 11 Home Edition: Please note that I am running Windows 11 Home edition - not Pro, Enterprise, etc., where I could solve the problem with group policies or other administrative options. The Windows Update setting "Get the latest updates" is turned on, so I am running Copilot Preview.
  

• Copilot Taskbar Button: I have hidden Copilot on the taskbar, but that is obviously not the same as disabling Copilot or other AI functionality.
  

• Disabling Copilot via Registry: There are instructions on various websites for disabling Copilot by editing the registry; I would appreciate details about how to do that, as long as the necessary edits are reasonably safe and reliable.
  

• Disabling all AI functionality: How centralized is AI functionality in Windows 11? Does disabling Copilot disable AI functionality across all Windows 11 built-in features, as well as Microsoft desktop apps? Or has AI metastasized across the entire Windows ecosystem, requiring a constant game of whack-a-mole to disable everywhere?
  

Thanks in advance for any help.

- Laura

Windows System Information:

Edition Windows 11 Home

Version 22H2

OS build OS Build 22621.2361 Preview (KB5030310)

 

There should be a way to disable artificial intelligence (ai) host

Hello Rose,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

I understand you want to prevent Microsoft AI from automatically starting in Word and Windows. To disable the AI host feature in Microsoft Word and Windows, you can try these steps:

1. For Microsoft Office Applications:

- Open Task Manager and go to the Startup tab.

- Look for "ai.exe" or any related Microsoft Office AI feature.

- Right-click it and select Disable.

2. For Windows Operating System:

- Unfortunately, there is currently no official option to disable the AI host in Windows 10 or Windows 11.

- Users who want to disable it may try to delete "ai.exe" from their system drive, but this may not be permanent or effective, as it may be restored in future updates.

If you need any further assistance, please let me know and I'll provide more advice.



Best Regards,

William Yu | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Microsoft Windows 10 AI Functionality

Hi, My name is Ahmet, and I am an Independent Advisor. I hope you're well, I'm sorry that you are experiencing this issue. I'd be more than happy to assist you.

AI Functions Available in Windows 10

Cortana: Microsoft's personal digital assistant provides the user with task reminders, information search, calendar management and other personal assistance services.

Windows Search: Advanced search features use AI to find files and apps.

Windows Hello: Provides secure log-in using AI with facial recognition, fingerprint scanners and other biometric security features.

Photos App: AI is used to organize, identify and tag photos.

Ink and Pen: Uses AI to make digital ink and pen input more natural.

Windows Defender: Uses AI-based methods to detect and block malware.

Disabling AI Functions

If you want to disable some of the AI functions, you can follow the steps below:

Disable Cortana

Turning off Cortana:

Right-click the Cortana icon on the taskbar.

Scroll down to “Cortana” and select “Off”.

Disable Cortana Settings:

Open “Settings” from the Start menu.

Go to “Privacy” and select the “Speech, ink and text” tab.

Here you can select “Stop speech services and writing suggestions”.

Disable Windows Search AI Features

Disable Call History and Cloud Based Search:

Go to Settings > Privacy > Call history.

You can disable search history using the “Clear search history on this device” and “Manage search history” options.

Advanced Call Settings:

Go to Settings > Search > Search permissions and history.

Turn off “Manage my search history on my device and in the cloud”.

Disabling Windows Hello

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Turn off Windows Hello methods (face recognition, fingerprint).

Disable AI Features in the Photos App

Open the Photos app.

Select “Settings” from the three-dot menu in the top right corner.

Disable options such as “Identify contacts” and “Turn off album suggestions”.

Disable Windows Defender AI Features

Disabling Windows Defender's AI features completely can put your security at risk. However, you can turn off some features:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus and threat protection > Manage settings.

You can turn off options like real-time protection and cloud-based protection.

With these steps you can disable AI functions in Windows 10. However, keep in mind that some features are beneficial for security and user experience.

Let me know how it goes and hopefully it will help.

Have a wonderful day.

Yours sincerely,

Ahmet