RemoveWindowsAI: The Complete Guide to Removing Copilot, Recall and AI Features from Windows 11

Why Remove AI Features from Windows 11?

Microsoft's Windows 11 version 25H2 marks a significant shift in the operating system's architecture. With each update, Microsoft integrates deeper AI functionality into the core Windows experience. While these features offer convenience for some users, they raise legitimate concerns for IT professionals, privacy-conscious individuals, and enterprise administrators.

For organizations handling sensitive data or users who simply prefer a leaner operating system, removing these components becomes essential. Enter RemoveWindowsAI—an open-source PowerShell tool designed to comprehensively strip all AI-related features from Windows 11.

What is RemoveWindowsAI?

RemoveWindowsAI is a sophisticated PowerShell script that systematically identifies and removes all artificial intelligence components embedded in Windows 11. Unlike basic registry tweaks or manual uninstallation attempts, this tool addresses AI integration at multiple system levels:

The tool provides both a graphical user interface for beginners and command-line options for automation and enterprise deployment.

Key Features and Capabilities

Registry Key Disablement

RemoveWindowsAI targets specific registry entries that control AI behavior:

Package Removal System

The script employs advanced techniques to remove packages that Microsoft marks as "non-removable":

Standard AppX Packages:

• Microsoft.Copilot
• Microsoft.Windows.Ai.Copilot.Provider
• MicrosoftWindows.Client.Photon
• Various AI-related WindowsWorkload packages

Reinstallation Prevention

One of the most valuable features is the ability to prevent Windows Update from reinstalling removed AI components. The script installs a custom Windows Update package that blocks AI package restoration through the CBS store.

Policy Configuration

RemoveWindowsAI modifies the IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json file to enforce policies that disable Copilot and Recall at the system level, providing an additional layer of protection against re-enablement.

Installation and Usage Guide

Prerequisites

Before running RemoveWindowsAI, ensure you have:

• Windows 11 (version 23H2 or 25H2)
• Administrator privileges
• PowerShell 5.1 or later
• Internet connection (for direct execution)

Method 1: Graphical User Interface

& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1")))

This command downloads and executes the script, presenting a clean GUI where you can select specific components to remove.

The interface displays checkboxes for each removal option:

• Disable Registry Keys
• Prevent AI Package Reinstall
• Disable Copilot Policies
• Remove AppX Packages
• Remove Recall Optional Feature
• Remove CBS Packages
• Remove AI Files
• Hide AI Components
• Disable Rewrite in Notepad
• Remove Recall Tasks

Method 2: Command-Line Execution

For scripted deployments or automation, use non-interactive mode:

Remove All AI Components:

& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1"))) -nonInteractive -AllOptions

Remove Specific Components:

& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1"))) -nonInteractive -Options DisableRegKeys,RemoveAppxPackages,DisableCopilotPolicies

Available Command-Line Options

Method 3: With Backup Mode

& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1"))) -nonInteractive -backupMode -AllOptions

To Revert Changes:

& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1"))) -nonInteractive -revertMode -AllOptions

Understanding Windows Recall: Why Removal Matters

Windows Recall represents one of the most controversial AI features Microsoft has introduced. This feature continuously captures screenshots of your activity, storing them locally for AI-powered search and retrieval.

Privacy Implications

1. Data Persistence: Screenshots capture sensitive information including passwords, financial data, and private communications
2. Potential Exposure: Malware could potentially access the Recall database
3. Compliance Issues: Organizations subject to GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations may find Recall incompatible with data protection requirements
4. Resource Consumption: Continuous screenshot capture and AI processing consumes storage and CPU resources

How RemoveWindowsAI Handles Recall

The script addresses Recall through multiple vectors:

• Disables Recall via registry modifications
• Removes the Recall optional feature
• Deletes Recall scheduled tasks
• Cleans up any existing Recall data
• Blocks policy-level re-enablement

Enterprise Deployment Strategies

For IT administrators managing multiple Windows 11 machines, RemoveWindowsAI offers practical deployment options.

Group Policy Integration

After running RemoveWindowsAI with policy options, the tool modifies system policies that can be reinforced through Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for domain-wide enforcement.

SCCM/Intune Deployment

powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm 'https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1'))) -nonInteractive -AllOptions"

Deployment Recommendations:

• Test on pilot machines before wide deployment
• Use backup mode for initial rollout
• Document baseline configurations
• Monitor for Windows Update conflicts

Automated Maintenance

Since Microsoft may reintroduce AI components through updates, consider scheduling periodic execution:

# Create scheduled task for monthly execution
$Action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "PowerShell.exe" -Argument "-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command `"& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm 'https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1'))) -nonInteractive -AllOptions`""
$Trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Monthly -At 3am
Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName "RemoveWindowsAI-Maintenance" -Action $Action -Trigger $Trigger -RunLevel Highest

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Script Fails to Execute

Symptom: PowerShell blocks script execution

Solution: Ensure you're running as Administrator and temporarily adjust execution policy:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process

Packages Reappear After Update

Symptom: AI components return following Windows Update

Solution: Re-run with the PreventAIPackageReinstall option, which installs blocking packages in the CBS store.

Some Features Remain Active

Symptom: Certain AI features persist despite removal

Solution:

1. Verify you selected all relevant options
2. Check for manual disablement requirements in the documentation
3. Restart the system after script completion
4. Run the script again with RemoveAIFiles option

Performance Impact and Benefits

Users report several improvements after removing Windows AI components:

Privacy Enhancements

• No typing data collection
• No screenshot-based activity tracking
• Reduced telemetry surface
• Fewer cloud service connections

Security Considerations

Script Verification

1. Review the source code on GitHub before execution
2. Check community feedback in Issues and Discussions
3. Verify the repository has active maintenance and legitimate contributors

Backup Recommendations

Always create a system restore point before execution:

Checkpoint-Computer -Description "Pre-RemoveWindowsAI" -RestorePointType MODIFY_SETTINGS

Conclusion

RemoveWindowsAI represents a robust solution for users and organizations seeking control over their Windows 11 experience. As Microsoft continues expanding AI integration, tools like this become increasingly valuable for maintaining privacy, optimizing performance, and ensuring compliance with data protection requirements.

Whether motivated by privacy concerns, performance optimization, or simply preference for a traditional Windows experience, RemoveWindowsAI delivers comprehensive AI removal with minimal complexity.

For IT professionals managing Windows environments, incorporating RemoveWindowsAI into deployment and maintenance workflows provides a practical approach to AI component management.