Microsoft begins pulling back Copilot on Windows 11

Microsoft is starting to scale back how aggressively it pushes Copilot across Windows, beginning with the removal of the assistant’s button from apps like Notepad.The change comes in newer versions of Windows 11's Notepad app available for users in the Insiders Program.

Microsoft's Windows 11 had featured a heavy focus on its Copilot AI, with multiple apps featuring Copilot buttons to offer suggestions and generate content for users. The company remains very bullish on AI, but the inclusion of the Copilot button everywhere did not resonate with many, as Microsoft came to admit. 

"You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well‑crafted," Microsoft's Pavan Davuluri explained in March. "As part of this, we are reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad."

Microsoft has also removed the Copilot button from the Snipping Tool, with more apps likely seeing the same change in the coming weeks.

It's worth noting that while Copilot branding has been removed, those AI features still remain in Notepad, allowing users to draft and rewrite text.

A thoughtful repositioning

Microsoft (and Google) have been going hard on pushing Generative AI experiences in their operating systems, adding Gemini or Copilot here, there, and everywhere. It's not clear that it's a winning move from the perspective of users. A recent Gallup poll notes that most Gen-Z users are still cold on AI, and this backtrack from prominent placement in Windows shows that tech enthusiasts aren't far off. A Copilot button in the Microsoft Photos app was a step too far, and the company's finally taking steps to rectify that.

It's a well-timed move too. Microsoft was recently forced to draw clarity to its AI usage after backlash about Copilot being 'for entertainment use' only, claiming that was just imprecise and outdated wording. Microsoft clearly wants you to be excited about using Copilot in Windows, Microsoft 365, and Github, but inappropriate positioning dilutes its appeal.

There's still going to be plenty of AI in Windows 11, Microsoft's just going to be a bit more judicious in its application of the new technology.