How to disable Copilot in Windows 11

This article describes the steps to disable Copilot chat windows in Windows 11. It also explains how to prevent Copilot from accidentally getting stuck next to apps.

How to close Copilot in Windows 11

The methods for turning off Copilot work very similarly to the steps for closing other apps and software in Windows 11. The easiest way to close Copilot is to click the Close Symbol that looks like a X in the upper right corner of the screen.

Alternatively, you can close Copilot by clicking the app icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, at the right end of the taskbar. The Copilot app icon looks like two rectangles with a rainbow gradient.

How to close Copilot with your keyboard

You can also open and close Copilot in Windows 11 with a keyboard shortcut. Some modern Microsoft keyboards (2024 and later) also have a dedicated Copilot key.

All Windows 11 users with any type of keyboard can enable or disable Copilot by using the Windows key + C keyboard shortcut.

If your computer keyboard has the corresponding Copilot key, tap it to activate or close Copilot.

How to unlink Copilot from Apps in Windows 11

A handy feature of Microsoft’s Copilot is its ability to stay to the right of another app, allowing you to interact with it without having to switch back and forth. For example, you can use the AI ​​tool for research or ideas while you’re writing an email.

However, Copilot’s side-by-side feature can be frustrating if you or someone else has accidentally enabled it and you want your primary app to fill the entire screen like normal. Fortunately, you can close the side-by-side setting pretty easily and quickly.

To exit Copilot’s side-by-side mode, click the Side by side Symbol. This symbol looks like a square with a black vertical stripe on the right side. It is located directly to the left of the Close Symbol.

Can I completely remove Copilot from Windows 11?

Copilot is a first-party app from Microsoft that’s built into the Windows 11 operating system, so getting rid of it isn’t as simple as uninstalling an app. However, there are ways to both remove Copilot from the taskbar and uninstall Copilot completely from Windows, for those who never plan to use it or simply want more space on their taskbar.