Uninstalling Copilot on Windows 11 isn’t exactly rocket science, but in practice, it can get a little tricky depending on how integrated it is or if it’s just lurking in the background. Sometimes people notice it running, hogging resources, or just want to tidy up their machine because it feels sluggish or cluttered. This process is about removing it properly from your system, freeing up space, and hopefully making your computer a little snappier. Keep in mind, there are a couple of ways to tackle this—manual removal from Settings or using some third-party tools if it refuses to go away.
How to Uninstall Copilot from Windows 11
Getting rid of Copilot involves poking around your system settings. Usually, that’s enough, but sometimes, especially if it was installed as part of an update or a package, you might need to go a bit deeper. Expect to see a slight boost in performance and maybe a bit more free storage once it’s gone. Just a heads-up: on some setups, it can take a couple of tries or a reboot to fully remove everything.
Method 1: Uninstall via Settings app
This is the most straightforward way and applies if Copilot was installed as a typical app in the system. Navigate through Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find “Copilot” in that list — it might be under its full name or just “Microsoft Copilot” — and click on it. You should see an Uninstall button. Hit that and follow the prompts.
- Open the Start Menu by clicking the Windows icon or pressing Windows key.
- Click on Settings or type “Settings” in the search bar and open it.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Scroll through or search for “Copilot” in the app list. When you find it, click on it.
- Hit the Uninstall button. Confirm any prompts that pop up.
If it doesn’t uninstall properly or keeps reinstalling (because Windows sometimes gets weird about system features), you might need to look at more forceful methods, like using PowerShell commands or third-party uninstallers. But on a normal day, this should do the trick.
Method 2: Use PowerShell for stubborn apps
Sometimes, Windows just isn’t cooperative. If Copilot refuses to disappear from the apps list, you can try PowerShell. Open PowerShell as an administrator (right-click the Start button, choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)).Then, run a command like:
Get-AppxPackage *copilot* | Remove-AppxPackageThis command searches for anything with “copilot” in its name — which can vary depending on the build — and attempts to remove it. Not guaranteed to work 100%, but hey, worth a shot.
Be careful with PowerShell commands though — if you’re not familiar, it’s easy to mess up other apps. Always double-check what you’re removing, and maybe back up your system if you’re feeling paranoid.
Tip: Check for leftovers
Once you’ve uninstalled, it’s a good idea to peek into C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ to see if any folders or files related to Copilot are still hanging around. If you find anything, deleting them manually can help clear remnants that might cause issues later.
Because Windows loves to be a pain, some leftover registry entries or hidden files might still be there. If you’re comfortable with tools like Winhance or CCleaner, you might use those for an extra cleanup pass. Just don’t go overboard and swamp your registry with crap.
Tips for Uninstalling Copilot from Windows 11
- Back up your important files first — just in case something goes haywire.
- Make sure your Windows is fully updated; sometimes, outdated OS bugs cause uninstall issues.
- If it’s stubborn, reboot before trying again.
- If there’s still remnants, search for related folders in %LocalAppData% or %ProgramData%.
- Consider third-party uninstall tools if nothing else works — I’ve seen Revo Uninstaller do wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Copilot later if I want?
Totally — you just need to download it again from the Microsoft Store or the official Microsoft website.
Will removing Copilot cause problems with other apps?
Usually not, but if you had some integrations or custom workflows relying on it, those might break. For most regular folks, it’s safe.
What if I can’t find it in the apps list?
Make sure you’re logged in with the same user account where Copilot was installed. Also, check if it’s listed under Manage Optional Features — sometimes, features are hidden there.
Is uninstalling Copilot risky?
Generally, no. It’s just an app or feature, not a core system component. But always best to double-check before deleting critical system files.
Do I need admin rights?
Yep — removing apps requires admin privileges, so be ready to confirm UAC prompts.
Summary
- Open Start Menu.
- Access Settings > Apps.
- Find and select Copilot.
- Click Uninstall and follow prompts.
Wrap-up
Removing Copilot isn’t the end of the world, but sometimes it’s better to do it right. Whether it’s clutter or a bug that’s bothering you, these methods—especially the manual app approach or PowerShell—should cover most cases. Just remember, Windows can be weird about some system features, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a couple of tries or a reboot. It’s all about patience and knowing where to look. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone trying to clean up.