Microsoft has started rolling out a highly anticipated new policy in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) that allows IT administrators to uninstall the Microsoft Copilot assistant from managed machines. The new policy, called RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp, is designed to help organizations reduce unnecessary system components and better manage resources.
This update is particularly beneficial for enterprise environments that prioritize streamlined workflows, performance efficiency, or stricter privacy requirements.
To uninstall Microsoft Copilot using this policy, devices must meet several specific conditions. First, both Microsoft 365 Copilot and the standard Microsoft Copilot must already be present on the system. Second, the Copilot application must be preinstalled as part of the operating system and not manually installed by the user.
If these requirements are met, Copilot will be automatically removed once the policy is enabled through management tools such as Microsoft Intune or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).
How IT Administrators Can Enable the Policy
Administrators can configure this setting through the Group Policy Editor by navigating to User Configuration, then Administrative Templates, followed by Windows AI. From there, the Remove Microsoft Copilot App option can be enabled or disabled based on organizational needs.
Should users or administrators decide to restore Copilot in the future, the app can be reinstalled without restrictions, offering flexibility rather than a permanent removal.
Additional Improvements in the Update
Beyond Copilot management, this Insider Preview build also addresses several long standing issues. Fixes include resolving File Explorer crashes or freezing when right clicking on the desktop, as well as addressing scenarios where the Windows Update page could become unresponsive.
These quality of life improvements further enhance system stability for both enterprise and everyday users.
A Shift Toward Enterprise Friendly AI Management
Although the feature is currently limited to the Dev and Beta Insider channels, its introduction signals a shift in Microsoft’s approach. After aggressively integrating AI features across Windows, some enterprise administrators viewed Copilot as an added management burden rather than a productivity gain.
Allowing full removal represents a more balanced strategy, giving organizations the ability to adopt AI on their own terms.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Microsoft Copilot’s future appears to be a careful balance between innovation and choice. If testing proves successful, a stable release of this policy is expected, enabling organizations to maintain cleaner systems and optimize performance based on real world needs.
This move reflects growing recognition that flexibility and opt-in control are essential for large scale IT environments moving forward.
Source: BleepingComputer
