Earlier this month, Microsoft released the latest Windows 11 Patch Tuesday update, KB5083769, for builds 25H2 and 24H2. The update brings new features like a new built-in internet speed test and changes to remote desktop, although the latter has led to issues, as confirmed by the company.
In addition to these two changes, Microsoft confirmed another feature in this version that wasn't in the changelog. The company has published a new group policy to help remove Copilot from your computer.
Microsoft recently indicated that it may be reconsidering adding the AI assistant everywhere in Windows. It's part of a broader effort by the company to improve its operating system for better performance after years of user complaints.
Regarding the new policy, the company writes:
“The new policy arrangement RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp allows you to uninstall Copilot from devices in your organization in a non-disruptive, targeted manner.”
The company also lists the requirements for implementing the policy, as users and devices must meet the following conditions:
Microsoft 365 Copilot is installed.
Copilot was not installed by the user.
Copilot has not started in the last 28 days.
The new group policies for users and devices are given below:
User:
./User/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/WindowsAI/RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp
Device:
./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/WindowsAI/RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp
In a separate supporting document, Microsoft says that users and administrators can choose to reinstall Copilot if they wish. As we mentioned above, the policy was released with the latest Patch Tuesday, which means that systems will need to have KB50837609 installed on Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
