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The Growing Need for AI Control
A GitHub project named RemoveWindowsAI by user zoicware offers a PowerShell script to automatically remove deep-rooted AI features like Copilot and Recall from Windows 11. This tool addresses privacy concerns associated with the 25H2 update by modifying registry keys, deleting AI packages, and preventing future automatic reinstalls of these components.
Microsoft continues to integrate artificial intelligence deeply into the Windows ecosystem. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update introduces persistent AI components that run in the background. Many users find these features intrusive. They consume system resources and harvest user data for training purposes. For professionals prioritizing data privacy and system performance, the default settings are often unacceptable.
Automating the Cleanup Process
Manual removal of these features is difficult. Microsoft scatters AI components across the registry, system files, and the Appx package store. A developer named zoicware released a specialized script on GitHub called RemoveWindowsAI to solve this problem. This PowerShell automation targets and eliminates these dependencies in a single pass. It offers a comprehensive solution for users who demand a clean, traditional operating system environment.
Technical Capabilities of the Script
The script performs invasive system modifications to ensure total removal. It goes beyond simple “off” switches found in the Settings menu.
- Registry Modification: It disables core registry keys for Copilot, Input Insights, and Recall.
- Package Removal: It deletes AI-related Appx packages, including those marked as “non-removable” by the system.
- Policy Enforcement: It updates the IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json file to block AI policies at the system level.
- Service Termination: It stops and removes the AI Fabric Service and background AI processes.
- Reinstall Prevention: It installs a custom update package that blocks Windows Update from silently restoring these AI tools later.
Addressing Hidden Components
Standard uninstallation often leaves remnants behind. This script performs a “deep clean” of the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) store. It unlocks and removes hidden AI packages that usually remain dormant on your drive. It also targets specific user interface elements. It hides the “AI Components” section in Settings and removes the “Rewrite” feature from Notepad.
Advisor Recommendation: Proceed with Caution
This tool is powerful. It modifies system files that are typically protected. Before you execute this script, you must create a System Restore point or a full backup. The script includes a “Revert Mode” if you need to undo changes, but having your own backup is safer. While this script covers the vast majority of AI features, some specific elements like “Gaming Copilot” may still require manual disabling.