Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build introduces a policy allowing IT administrators to uninstall the free Copilot app from managed devices, while Microsoft 365 Copilot remains installed. The RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp Group Policy marks the first time administrators can completely remove Microsoft's AI assistant from enterprise systems.
The policy arrived in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535, the first Insider release of 2026. It enables targeted removal of the free Copilot app on managed devices running Enterprise, Pro, or EDU SKUs. Administrators access the policy through Group Policy Editor under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows AI.
Three strict conditions apply for removal. Devices must have both Microsoft 365 Copilot and the free Microsoft Copilot app installed. The free app cannot have been installed by the user directly. Most challenging, the app must not have been launched within the past 28 days.
The 28-day requirement presents significant hurdles. Microsoft's AI assistant auto-starts on login by default, making accidental launches difficult to avoid. Users would need to disable the app in Task Manager's Startup Apps list and carefully avoid opening it for nearly a month.
Even successful removal remains reversible. Users can reinstall Copilot if they choose, maintaining Microsoft's AI accessibility while providing temporary administrative control. The policy appears designed to remove duplicate installations rather than eliminate AI functionality entirely.
Microsoft began automatically installing Copilot across Windows 10 and 11 PCs in 2023. Until now, users could only disable the assistant temporarily through settings. Complete uninstallation remained impossible despite widespread user requests for removal options.
The timing follows accidental Copilot removal that some users welcomed. In March 2025, a software bug removed Microsoft's AI assistant from some Windows 11 installations. One Reddit user called the unintended consequence "finally a good feature," highlighting ongoing user resistance to forced AI integration.
Microsoft continues aggressive AI promotion alongside these removal options. The company markets Copilot+ PCs as essential for "the next generation of computing," requiring devices with 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and neural processing units delivering 40+ TOPs performance. These specifications exclude many existing "AI PCs" with weaker NPUs.
The balancing act reflects Microsoft's dual enterprise strategy. IT administrators gain limited control over AI deployment while Microsoft protects its substantial AI investments. The company maintains Copilot availability across select global markets with ongoing expansion plans.
Enterprise administrators now face complex implementation decisions. The restrictive removal conditions may limit practical adoption despite policy availability. Organizations must weigh user preferences against Microsoft's AI integration roadmap when configuring managed Windows devices.
