ByWindows 11 includes the Copilot feature by Microsoft, which provides helpful suggestions and solutions to users through AI. However, many users do not find this feature useful and want to remove it from the File Explorer Context Menu. If you are also going through the same problem, then this article is a complete guide for you. Here we will explain in detail how you can remove the Ask Copilot option from the Context Menu.
What is Ask Copilot in the File Explorer Context Menu?
Ask Copilot is a new feature added in the Windows 11 update. When you right-click on a folder or file, the option “Ask Copilot” appears in the context menu. It connects to Microsoft’s AI-based assistant and gives information or suggestions regarding the file.
But if you don’t want to use Copilot or want to make the Context Menu clean, then it becomes necessary to remove it.
Main reasons to remove Ask Copilot from the Context Menu
Crowd of unnecessary options
Concern about privacy
Not using AI features
Desire to improve performance
Method 1: Remove Ask Copilot via Windows Registry
Warning: Make sure to create a System Restore Point before making changes in the Registry Editor. Wrong changes may affect the system.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
1. Press Win + R.
2. Type `regedit` and press Enter.
3. If UAC (User Account Control) asks for permission, click Yes.
Step 2: Go to the following path
“`
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
“`
> If the key of `Explorer` does not exist, then create it by right-clicking> New > Key.
Step 3: Create New DWORD Value
1. Right click on Explorer → Select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
2. Name it: `DisableCopilot`
3. Double click on it and change the value (Value data) to 1.
Step 4: Restart the system
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 2: Turn off Copilot through Group Policy Editor
This method works on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
1. Press Win + R.
2. Type `gpedit.msc` and press Enter.
Step 2: Go to the following path
“`
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot
“`
Step 3: Configure the Turn off Windows Copilot setting
1. Double click on “Turn off Windows Copilot”.
2. Make the setting enabled.
3. Click Apply and OK.
Step 4: Restart the system
Copilot will now be removed from the context menu.
Method 3: Use a PowerShell script
If you are technically adept, you can deactivate Copilot via PowerShell.
Steps to run the script:
1. Search for PowerShell in the Start Menu and select Run as Administrator.
2. Copy and paste the below command:
“`powershell
New-Item -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer” -Force
New-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer” -Name “DisableCopilot” -Value 1 -PropertyType DWORD -Force
“`
3. Press Enter and restart the system after the script completes.
Method 4: Customize Context Menu via third-party tools
Some users don’t want to mess with the Registry or Group Policy. For them, there are several third-party tools available that can easily manage the Context Menu:
Popular tools:
ShellExView by NirSoft
Context Menu Tool by CCleaner
Right Click Enhancer
With these tools, you can easily disable or delete entries like Ask Copilot.
What will be the effect after removing Ask Copilot?
Context Menu will be visible clearly in File Explorer
Fast and smooth clicking
No AI feature will be activated by mistake
Relief for privacy-conscious users
If you want to re-enable Copilot in the future
From Registry:
Delete the `DisableCopilot` DWORD or set its value to 0.
From Group Policy:
Set “Turn off Windows Copilot” to Not Configured or Disabled.
Conclusion
The AI-based features in Windows 11 may be useful for many users, but if you want a cleaner and faster experience, then removing Ask Copilot from the Context Menu is a wise move. We have explained all the possible methods in detail here – Registry, Group Policy, PowerShell, and Third-party tools. You can customize File Explorer according to your needs by following any of the methods at your convenience.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to remove Ask Copilot from File Explorer in Windows 11
Question 1: Does Ask Copilot appear in all versions of Windows 11?
Answer: No, the Ask Copilot option appears primarily in newer versions of Windows 11 (such as 23H2 and later). It depends on the Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions.
Question 2: If I remove Ask Copilot, will it affect the system?
Answer: No, Ask Copilot is just a context menu option. Removing it will not negatively affect the basic functionality of your system.
Question 3: Can I re-enable it in the future?
Answer: Yes, you can re-enable Copilot by setting the settings made in the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor back to the default.
Question 4: Can I remove Copilot without Admin rights?
Answer: No, Administrator rights are required to make changes in the Registry Editor or Group Policy.
Question 5: Is it safe to remove Copilot with a third-party tool?
Answer: If you use trusted tools like ShellExView or CCleaner, the process is safe. But always make sure you are downloading the tools from the official website.
Question 6: Is Copilot only in the Context Menu or other places?
Answer: Copilot can be found not only in the Context Menu but also on the Windows Taskbar. To remove it from the Taskbar, you have to go to Settings and turn off Personalization > Taskbar > Copilot (preview).
Question 7: Can Copilot be completely removed from Windows 11?
Answer: Microsoft has integrated Copilot into the OS, so it is not possible to uninstall it completely. But you can turn off all its visual components like icons and context menus.
Question 8: Does this process persist even after Windows Update?
Answer: No, not always. Registry or Group Policy settings may be reset after a Windows update. So you may have to repeat the process after the update.
