ByIntroduction
We are constantly seeing new AI-based features being added to Windows 11, one of the newest and most talked-about being “Share with Copilot”. This feature allows users to share files, text, and content directly with Microsoft Copilot AI. However, many users want to disable this feature due to privacy concerns, control issues, and a desire for a cleaner interface.
In this detailed guide, we are sharing all the effective methods to completely disable the Share with Copilot AI feature in Windows 11, step by step.
What is the ‘Share with Copilot’ Feature?
Share with Copilot is an AI integration feature in Windows 11 that appears in the right-click menu, the share sheet, and some apps. Its purpose is to help users quickly share any content with Copilot AI to receive suggestions, summaries, or analysis.
However, this feature:
It is not useful for every user
Unnecessarily clutters the system UI
Raises data privacy concerns for some users
Why Disable ‘Share with Copilot’ in Windows 11?
To maintain privacy control
To keep the right-click menu clean and fast
To prevent unnecessary use of AI features
For better performance on low-end PCs
Method 1: Disable Copilot from Windows Settings
This is the easiest and safest method.
Steps:
1. Open Settings
2. Click on Personalization
3. Select Taskbar from the left pane
4. Scroll down and find the Copilot (Preview) option
5. Turn the toggle off
This removes Copilot and its associated Share with Copilot features from the system UI.
Method 2: Disable ‘Share with Copilot’ using Group Policy Editor
This method is suitable for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + R
2. Type `gpedit.msc` and press Enter
3. Navigate to the following path:
“`
Computer Configuration
Administrative Templates
Windows Components
Windows Copilot
“`
4. Double-click on Turn off Windows Copilot
5. Set it to Enabled
6. Click Apply > OK
7. Restart your system
This method completely disables Copilot and its associated sharing features.
Method 3: Completely disable ‘Share with Copilot’ via Registry Editor
This method is for advanced users.
Make sure to back up your Registry before making any changes.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + R
2. Type `regedit` and press Enter
3. Navigate to the following path:
“`
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
“`
4. Right-click on Windows New > Key
5. Name the key: `WindowsCopilot`
6. Right-click on the right pane New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
7. Name it: `TurnOffWindowsCopilot`
8. Set the Value to 1
9. Restart your system
This completely disables the Share with Copilot AI feature in Windows 11.
Also read: How to Free Up Storage Space in Windows 11 – A Complete and Effective Guide
Method 4: Remove Copilot from File Explorer Context Menu
If you only want to remove Share with Copilot from the right-click menu, this method is most useful.
Steps:
1. Open Registry Editor
2. Navigate to this path:
“`
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions
“`
3. Create a key named Blocked (if it doesn’t exist)
4. Add the CLSID related to Copilot inside it
5. Restart your system
This will remove the Copilot option from the File Explorer’s Share Menu.
Method 5: How to permanently disable the Copilot feature after Windows Updates
Copilot may be reactivated with Microsoft updates. To avoid this:
Apply both Group Policy and Registry methods
Keep unnecessary Preview Features turned off
Check Optional Updates before installing them
Benefits of disabling ‘Share with Copilot.’
Better privacy control
Faster and cleaner user interface
Fewer background processes
Complete control over AI features
No unnecessary distractions in your workflow
Does disabling Copilot negatively affect Windows 11?
No. Copilot is an optional AI feature. Disabling it:
Does not affect Windows’ core functionality
System updates work normally
Apps and file sharing are not affected
Conclusion
In this guide, we have shared all the effective and safe methods to disable the ‘Share with Copilot’ AI feature in Windows 11. Whether you choose the simple Settings method or the advanced Group Policy or Registry solution, each option ensures better control over your system, a cleaner interface, and enhanced privacy.
If you prefer limited use of AI features, disabling Copilot is a wise decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the ‘Share with Copilot’ feature in Windows 11?
Answer: ‘Share with Copilot’ is an AI-based feature in Windows 11 that allows users to share files, text, or content directly with Microsoft Copilot AI. It appears in the right-click menu and the Share option.
Q2. Is the ‘Share with Copilot’ feature mandatory for all Windows 11 users?
Answer: No, this feature is completely optional. Windows 11 users can disable it through Settings, Group Policy, or the Registry.
Q3. Will disabling ‘Share with Copilot’ affect the system?
Answer: Absolutely not. Disabling this feature will:
Not affect the core functionality of Windows 11
Allow system updates to work normally
Not negatively impact apps and file management
Q4. Will disabling Copilot also remove it from the right-click menu?
Answer: Yes, when you completely disable Copilot, the ‘Share with Copilot’ option is automatically removed from File Explorer and the Share menu.
Q5. Can Copilot be re-enabled after a Windows Update?
Answer: In some cases, Copilot may be reactivated after major Windows Updates. To prevent this:
Use both Group Policy and Registry Editor methods
Keep Preview or Optional Features turned off
Q6. Can ‘Share with Copilot’ be disabled in Windows 11 Home Edition?
Answer: Yes, in Windows 11 Home Edition, you can successfully disable the ‘Share with Copilot’ feature through:
Settings
Registry Editor
Group Policy Editor is not available in the Home Edition.
Q7. What are the main advantages of disabling Copilot?
Answer: Disabling Copilot provides:
Better privacy control
A cleaner and faster right-click and share menu
Freedom from unnecessary AI suggestions
Improved performance on low-end systems
Q8. Can Copilot be re-enabled after being disabled?
Answer: Yes, you can re-enable Copilot and the ‘Share with Copilot’ feature at any time by:
Going to Settings
Reverting the changes made in the Group Policy or the Registry
Q9. Does the ‘Share with Copilot’ feature affect data privacy?
Answer: This feature shares content with AI, so some users consider it sensitive from a privacy perspective. This is why many people prefer to disable it.
Q10. Is it possible that Microsoft might completely remove this feature in the future?
Answer: Microsoft is continuously enhancing AI features in Windows 11, so its removal is unlikely at this time. However, users have the option to disable it.
