Windows 11 to cut out ‘unnecessary’ Copilot AI bloatware, Microsoft says
Windows 11 is trimming the AI fat by removing some Copilot integrations and promising only "meaningful" uses. About time.
Microsoft has promised to trim the Copilot AI features from Windows 11 in a vow to double down on the operating system’s quality.
In a blog post written to the company’s Windows Insider beta testers, Microsoft says changes are afoot in response to some less-than-complimentary feedback.
The headline-making change is a change in the blanket approach to shoving Copilot AI features into each and every facet of the operating system. Instead, Windows Insider Program Team member Pavan Davuluri says, Copilot will only be integrated where its meaningful. The “unnecessary” – to use Microsoft’s word – AI features will be pulled from a bunch of apps.
Davuluri writes: “Integrating AI where it’s most meaningful, with craft and focus: 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. As part of this, we are reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad.”
This is a welcome backpedal from Microsoft, but just part of the way Microsoft is tweaking Windows 11 to meet Insider feedback. Users will soon be able to reposition the taskbar to the side or top of the screen, for the first time, making it easier to completely personalise their workspace. Microsoft is also promising to reduce the disruption from Windows Updates, giving users the opportunity to skip them and avoid automatic restarts.
Microsoft is working on a faster and more dependable File Explorer, more control over widgets and feed experiences, and an improved feedback hub.
Chris Smith
