Windows Copilot has infiltrated Windows and Edge, but for businesses without an AI strategy, this integration might be unwelcome. The good news? You can block it using group policies.
While generative AI has immense potential, introducing it without a plan can risk exposing sensitive information. Microsoft, however, seems to be rushing products like Copilot onto users, potentially jeopardizing data privacy.
The Edge browser, now with Bing Chat, aka Copilot, and Windows 11’s Copilot in version 23H2, also headed for Windows 10, raise concerns. Consumer chatbots not only store query history but can use your data to refine their language models. Stay in control with our guide!
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Block ChatGPT Instantly using Defender
Microsoft takes a stand against ChatGPT, temporarily restricting its own employees. Now, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps and Purview can spot and block generative AI apps when needed.
Use Microsoft’s Enterprise Copilot as Professional Solutions
Addressing Copilot concerns, Microsoft provides dedicated Enterprise versions for professional use. Included in various M365 subscriptions, such as Microsoft 365 E3, E5, A3, Business Standard, and Business Premium.
Bing Chat Enterprise powers Windows Copilot and Edge’s Copilot in this scenario. Yet, if the Enterprise version isn’t configured, the default is the consumer version.
Like other integrated features, Copilot can be stubborn. Icons are scattered, requiring separate removal in various locations.
How to Disable Windows Copilot
The OS-integrated Windows Copilot aids users in resolving system issues. Currently in preview, it’s not yet available in the EU. Despite this, online guides detail how to activate its chat function.
For an interactive removal, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. In managed environments, use Microsoft’s dedicated group policy: Disable Windows Copilot, located at User Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot.
How to Disable Copilot interactively in Microsoft Edge
In Microsoft Edge, spot the Copilot icon beside the address bar’s top right. Click it, and the chat prompt appears in a sidebar. To conceal the icon, access browser settings under Sidebar > Copilot.
For centralized control via Group Policy, note that the setting isn’t Copilot-specific. Instead, it disables the sidebar for all apps. Fortunately, this isn’t a major drawback, given the sidebar’s limited utility.
The policy, named Show Hubs sidebar, needs deactivation to hide the Copilot bar. Locate it in computer and user configuration under Policies > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge.
How to Remove Copilot icon from search field
Beyond the Windows Copilot icon in the taskbar, there’s another default one in the search field. Interactively, use the Settings app. Go to Privacy and Security > Search Permissions > More Settings.
Here, disable Show search highlights to remove not just Copilot but all search highlights. For group policies, deactivate Allow search highlights under Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search. The icon vanishes from the search bar after the next policy update.
Summary
Without an M365 Enterprise subscription, businesses get the consumer version of Copilot in Edge and Windows Copilot, risking potential data leaks. To mitigate this, disabling Copilot is recommended. Microsoft embedded the chatbot in various system locations, necessitating separate deactivation for Windows Copilot, the Edge icon, and the search bar. Achieve this interactively or through group policies.
Also read: Solved: How do I enable Microsoft Copilot AI assistant preview in Windows 10