Windows 10: How do I disable AI features in Windows?

I’m really worried about these new AI features in Windows, especially Windows Copilot. I tried disabling them through the registry, but it didn’t work. I want to completely turn off all AI features. How can I do that?

:)

 

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

 

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

 

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)