How to Completely Remove Copilot from Windows 11 (Registry Fix 2026)

Remove Copilot from Windows 11 — If you have updated to Windows 11 25H2 (released late 2025), you’ve probably noticed something annoying: Copilot is aggressive.

It’s no longer just a button on the taskbar. It opens on hover, injects itself into the Edge sidebar, and consumes roughly 300–500 MB of RAM waiting for a command you might never give.

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Simply right-clicking the taskbar and selecting “Hide” doesn’t actually stop the process. It only hides the icon. The msedgewebview2.exe processes often keep running in the background.

To kill it for good in 2026, you need to use the Windows Registry. This is the permanent method that works even after the latest “Moment 6” updates.

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The Warning (Read This First)

You are about to edit the Windows Registry. If you follow these instructions exactly, it is safe. If you start deleting random keys, you can break your OS.

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Method 1: The “One-Click” Registry Hack (Downloadable)

If you don’t want to dig through system folders manually, you can create a .reg file that applies the policy for you.

The Code (to create the .reg file):

1. Open Notepad.

2. Paste the following:

   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

   [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
   “TurnOffWindowsCopilot”=dword:00000001

   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
   “TurnOffWindowsCopilot”=dword:00000001

3. Save the file as DisableCopilot.reg.

4. Double-click it and select Yes to merge.

5. Restart your PC.

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Method 2: The Manual Registry Fix (Step-by-Step)

If you prefer to see exactly what changes, follow these manual steps.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the Policy Key

Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Policy keys override Microsoft cloud settings, which is why this location is important.

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Step 3: Create the Copilot Key

1. Look for a key named WindowsCopilot inside the Windows folder.

2. If it doesn’t exist: Right-click Windows → New → Key and name it WindowsCopilot.

Step 4: The Kill Switch

1. Select the WindowsCopilot key.

2. Right-click the right pane → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.

3. Name it TurnOffWindowsCopilot.

4. Double-click it and set Value data to 1.

• 1 = Copilot disabled

• 0 = Copilot enabled

Step 5: Repeat for Local Machine (Optional but Recommended)

To prevent Copilot returning for other users on the same PC, repeat the same steps under:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

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Step 6: Restart

You must reboot for changes to take effect. After signing back in, the Copilot toggle will be removed from Taskbar settings and the Win + C shortcut should stop opening the AI panel.

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Method 3: For Windows 11 Pro Users (Group Policy)

If you’re on Pro or Enterprise, use Group Policy instead of editing the Registry manually.

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to: User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Copilot.

3. Double-click Turn off Windows Copilot.

4. Select Enabled (this enables the “Turn Off” policy).

5. Click Apply → OK.

FAQ: Common Issues in 2026

Q: I applied the fix, but the Copilot icon is still there.
A: Restart your computer first. If the icon remains, right-click the taskbar → Taskbar Settings → toggle Copilot off. The registry policy should prevent it from reappearing.

Q: Will this break Windows Search?
A: No. Copilot and Search were decoupled in the 25H2 update. Removing Copilot does not break file search.

Q: How do I get Copilot back?
A: Delete the TurnOffWindowsCopilot value or set it to 0 in the Registry, then restart.

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Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Taskbar

Microsoft is betting heavily on AI for 2026, but you don’t have to participate. Whether you’re saving RAM for creative apps or prefer a minimalist desktop, this Registry tweak is the cleanest and most permanent way to opt out.