Microsoft removes Copilot from several Windows 11 apps

Microsoft has officially removed Copilot from several Windows 11 applications

The newest Windows 11 Insider build has removed Copilot branding from several applications, including Notepad and the Snipping Tool. This is part of Microsoft’s plan to walk back on some of its unnecessary Copilot integrations.

While Notepad’s newest version no longer includes a Copilot button, it still features AI integrations. The app still includes “writing tools” that give users “rewrite”, “summarise”, and “Make Shorter/Make Longer” options. However, users can disable these features on NotePad’s settings page under “Advanced Features”.

Clearly, Microsoft is moving away from the “Copilot everywhere” approach. That said, this does not mean that Microsoft is ditching useful AI features. Furthermore, with the ability to disable these “Advanced Features”, Microsoft has made AI optional.

(Copilot removed from Notepad – Image from Windows Latest)

Windows Latest reported that Microsoft’s Copilot features have been removed entirely from Windows 11’s Snipping Tool. Now, there is no sign of AI anywhere on the tool. That’s a win for anyone who wanted Microsoft to get rid of unwanted AI integrations.

(Copilot removed from Windows 11’s Snipping Tool – Image from Windows Latest)

While Microsoft isn’t removing AI from all its software, it’s taking a more subtle approach. Copilot branding is being removed from many tools, which is a good thing given the brand’s toxicity among consumers. While Notepad retains its AI features, Copilot branding is no longer present. In Notepad, AI is now part of its advanced writing tools, not a “Copilot product”. In other words, useful AI features are called what they are. For once, common sense has won out over branding and marketing.

You can join the discussion on Microsoft starting its Copilot scale-back on the OC3D Forums.