M365Copilot_Autostarter.exe: Stop Microsoft 365 Copilot at Startup

Table of Contents

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• 1. Introduction
• 2. Understanding Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot
• 3. Why Disable Copilot? The Impact on Your System
• 4. Basic Methods to Disable Copilot from Startup
  • 4.1 Using Windows Settings
  • 4.2 Disabling via Task Manager
  • 4.3 Removing Copilot from the Startup Folder
• 5. Advanced Methods for System-Level Disabling
• 5.1 Understanding System-Wide Disabling
• 5.2 Editing the Windows Registry
• 5.3 Using PowerShell Commands

1. Introduction

I first encountered Copilot on my Windows device when I noticed unexpected slowdowns during startup. At that time, I was juggling multiple deadlines—and every second counted. I was excited by the promise of an AI-powered assistant, but soon noticed that its constant background activity was affecting performance.

In this guide, I share every method I've discovered to disable Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot from starting automatically. Whether you're a beginner or a tech pro, this guide is here to empower you to take full control of your system’s startup.

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2. Understanding Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot

What Is Copilot?

For those who haven’t yet met Copilot, here’s a quick introduction—Copilot is an AI-powered assistant built into Windows that aims to simplify tasks, provide recommendations, and generally make your interaction with the operating system more intuitive. Whether it’s offering tips, launching specific actions, or integrating with Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot tries to be proactive in enhancing your productivity.

Did you know : You can install Local LLM(Chatgpt similar ones) on your PC and work with them without Internet?

I remember when it first launched, I was intrigued by how futuristic it seemed. The idea of having an AI helper on standby was exciting. But as time went on, I noticed that the assistant had a way of appearing every time I started up my computer—even when I really didn’t need it, or worse, when it slowed down my system.What’s New with Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Microsoft 365 Copilot brings these AI capabilities directly into Office apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook, supercharging productivity. If you prefer a lean, performance-focused system, you might want to disable its automatic launch.

Why Do They Start Automatically?

Much like other startup applications, Copilot is set to launch automatically when Windows boots up. This design choice is aimed at giving you immediate access to its features. However, while this is great for users who want ready-made assistance right away, it can cause unnecessary delays and resource usage if you don’t often use the feature. I found myself wondering: why should I be forced to load a tool I might never use every single time?

This is where the ability to disable Copilot from startup becomes essential. Disabling it doesn’t remove it entirely (unless you take extra steps), but it does prevent it from running automatically every time you power on your system. That means faster boot times and more resources available for the tasks you actually want to handle.

he Evolution to Microsoft 365 Copilot

In tandem with Windows Copilot, Microsoft has integrated a variant into their Office ecosystem—the Microsoft 365 Copilot. This integration brings AI-driven insights and productivity aids directly into your Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook. The goal is to make your workflow smarter and more intuitive.

However, as with the Windows version, the Microsoft 365 Copilot can also be a double-edged sword. For business users, or even individuals who prefer a leaner setup, it might be preferable to disable it from launching automatically, especially if it’s not part of your core workflow. Throughout this guide, I’ll cover methods for managing both types of Copilot so that you can tailor your system exactly as you want it.

By understanding the nature of these tools, you’re already a step ahead in mastering your Windows experience. So let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how these applications affect your system and what you can do about it.

3. Why Disable/delete Copilot? The Impact on Your System

Startup Time and Resource Usage

One of the primary reasons I decided to disable Copilot from startup was its effect on boot times. Every program that runs in the background competes for your system’s limited resources. Copilot—while innovative—consumes memory and processing power, and over time, this can add up. Especially on older machines or those with lower specifications, this impact can be noticeable.

In my own experiments, I’ve seen that disabling unnecessary startup items can reduce Windows boot time by several seconds to even minutes on some slower PCs. Copilot, along with other apps, forms part of the “startup clutter” that accumulates over time. Removing it from the auto-start list not only boosts performance but also gives you a cleaner, more manageable system environment.

Here’s a little tip: think of your computer as a car. If you keep extra features turned on all the time—even ones you never use—it’s like having your headlights on during a sunny day. They might be useful sometimes, but for most of your drive, they’re just using up battery. Disabling Copilot is like turning those lights off until you actually need them. Trust me, after disabling it, I noticed my laptop boot up quicker, and my overall system felt more responsive.

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4. Basic Methods to Disable Copilot from Startup

4.1. Using Windows Settings

Follow these steps to disable Copilot via Windows Settings:

1. Open the Settings App: Click the Start menu and select the settings gear icon.
2. Navigate to Startup Apps: Go to “Apps” then “Startup.”
3. Locate Copilot: Find the entry labeled “Copilot” or “Microsoft 365 Copilot.”
4. Toggle It Off: Turn the switch off to prevent automatic launch.
5. Restart Your Computer: Reboot to apply your changes.

4.2. Disabling via Task Manager

Another method is to disable Copilot using Task Manager:

1. Open the Task Manager Right-click on an empty area of your taskbar and select “Task Manager.” Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.

2. Go to the Startup Tab Within the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup” tab. This shows all the applications that run during startup.

3. Find Copilot Look for any entries labeled “Copilot” or “Microsoft 365 Copilot.” (If you can’t locate it, check the Details tab for background processes.)

4. Right-Click and Disable Right-click on the Copilot entry and select “Disable.”

5. Confirm Changes and Restart After disabling, restart your computer to ensure that the change takes effect.

This method is beneficial because it gives you a quick glance at what else might be running at startup. I often use the Task Manager to troubleshoot slow startups, and disabling unnecessary applications here is a standard part of my routine

4.3. Removing Copilot from the Startup Folder

To remove Copilot from the Startup folder:

1. Open the Run Dialog: Press Win+R.
2. Access the Startup Folder: Type shell:startup and hit Enter.
3. Locate and Delete the Copilot Shortcut: Remove any shortcut for “Copilot” or “MS 365 Copilot.”
4. Restart Your Computer: Ensure Copilot no longer launches on startup.

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5. Advanced Methods for System-Level Disabling

5.1. Understanding System-Wide Disabling

This approach targets every possible startup entry to ensure Copilot never launches—even after updates. Always back up your settings first!

5.2. Editing the Windows Registry

Disable Copilot via the Registry Editor:

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win+R, type regedit, and hit Enter (run as Administrator).
2. Navigate to following: You can also copy paste. 

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot Set it to 1.

5.3. Using PowerShell Commands (Note: this will remove copilot)

For a scriptable solution, use PowerShell:

# Open PowerShell or terminal as Administrator. (Press Windows (logo) Key + X Keys

-> Select Terminal admin

Run this command:

Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.Copilot | Remove-AppxPackage

and press enter.. You might see the Copilot now removed.!

By default, copilot will be installed as Windows Store app. You can find the Copilot under C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\

there will be something like Microsoft.Copilot_0.4.2...

6. Disabling Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook Applications

Use the “Turn on Copilot” toggle to turn off Copilot in Outlook

The steps for turning off Copilot in Outlook are different than for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In Outlook, there is a Turn on Copilot toggle. ​​​​​​​

As of June 3, 2025, the Turn on Copilot toggle is available in Outlook on the following platforms:

• Android: Quick Settings > Copilot

• iOS: Quick Settings > Copilot

• Mac: Quick Settings > Copilot

• Web: Settings > Copilot

• Windows (new Outlook): Settings > Copilot

To see the Turn on Copilot toggle in Outlook on iOS and Android devices, update to the latest version of Outlook available on the respective app store. For Outlook on Mac devices, update to at least Version 16.95.3 from within Outlook. For Outlook on the web, no update is needed

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7. Troubleshooting, Edge Cases, and Hidden Configurations

7.1. When Copilot Still Starts

If Copilot continues to launch after following the above methods:

• Verify all startup locations (Windows Settings, Task Manager, Registry, Services).
• Manually terminate any lingering processes via Task Manager or PowerShell.
• Check Group Policy settings for possible conflicts.

7.2. Hidden Startup Entries (e.g., Autoruns)

Sometimes hidden startup entries cause Copilot to run. Use tools like Autoruns by Sysinternals to identify and disable them.

7.3. Differences in Windows Versions

Disabling Copilot may differ slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Always verify the specific steps for your system.

7.4. Recovering from Unintentional Changes

If you accidentally disable an essential startup item:

• Restore settings using a backup or system restore point.
• Manually re-enable affected items via Task Manager or your backup log.
• Consult tech forums for additional guidance if necessary.

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8. User Experience and Long‑Term Considerations

8.1. Impact on Other Windows Features

Disabling Copilot typically does not affect core system functions but frees up resources to improve performance.

8.2. Side Effects and Mitigation Strategies

You might lose some AI-assisted features, but the overall performance gains usually outweigh the trade-offs. Keeping a log of changes allows for easy reversion if necessary.

8.3. Alternatives and Upgrading Your AI Experience

If you still want AI assistance on demand, consider lighter third‑party alternatives that don't run constantly in the background.

8.4. Customizing Your Entire Startup Process

Review and optimize all startup programs to ensure a fast and clutter‑free boot experience.

Update, September 2026: What's Changed Since This Guide Was Written

This guide keeps finding readers, so I went back through every method above and checked it against what Windows actually ships today. Here's the honest state of things — the original sections stay untouched above, because plenty of readers are still on the builds they describe.

The 2026 short version: you can now just uninstall it

The single biggest change: Copilot on Windows is no longer a baked-in sidebar. Between September and November 2024, Microsoft replaced that sidebar with a regular Microsoft Store app on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 — and a regular app can simply be removed:

1. Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find Copilot, click the three dots → Uninstall.
2. That's it. No registry, no Group Policy, no scripts. Thirty seconds.

The PowerShell command in section 5.3 still works too — Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.Copilot | Remove-AppxPackage removes exactly this app. When I wrote that section it was the power-user route; now it's simply the scriptable version of the uninstall button.

What happened to the registry method in section 5.2

If you've tried the WindowsCopilot registry key on a current build and found it does nothing — you're not doing it wrong. That policy (TurnOffWindowsCopilot) controlled the old sidebar, which no longer exists. The legacy policy is now subject to deprecation, and administrators are pointed to AppLocker instead (details in the IT admin section below). On today's Windows, the honest advice is: skip the registry, uninstall the app.

It can come back after updates — check twice a year

The Copilot app is automatically enabled after installing the relevant Windows updates unless a blocking policy was already in place. In practice that means a machine you cleaned up can quietly regain Copilot after a big update. My routine now: after any feature update, spend one minute re-checking Settings → Apps → Installed apps and the startup list from section 4. Annoying, but it's one minute.

The Copilot key and "Hey Copilot" — two things that didn't exist when I wrote this

Newer keyboards ship with a dedicated Copilot key (and Win+C does the same job without one) — since May 2025 it opens a quick Copilot prompt box. You don't have to live with it: go to Settings → Personalization → Text input → Customize Copilot key on keyboard and point it at Search or another app entirely, or remap the key itself under Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Keyboard.

There's also an opt-in "Hey Copilot" wake word now. Before anyone worries: it only works while the Copilot app is actually running and your PC is unlocked — so if you've uninstalled the app or stopped it launching at startup using the methods above, there is nothing left listening. If you use Copilot but want the wake word off, it's in the Copilot app under Account → Settings → "Listen for 'Hey, Copilot' to start a conversation".

Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote finally got a real off switch

When I first wrote section 6, Outlook's toggle was the only clean control. Since March 2025 the other Office apps have one too, and it's refreshingly simple:

• Windows: File → Options → Copilot → clear the Enable Copilot checkbox → OK → restart the app. Works in Word (version 2412+), Excel (2501+), PowerPoint (2501+) and OneNote (2502+).
• Mac: app menu → Preferences → Authoring and Proofing Tools → Copilot → clear Enable Copilot.
• The catch: You can't turn Copilot off in the iOS, Android or web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint — only Outlook offers the toggle there. Do it per app, on desktop.

One thing disabling does NOT do

Everything on this page stops Copilot from running. None of it deletes what Copilot already stored while you used it — and as of 2026 that includes a separate "Memory" of facts about you, plus conversation activity Microsoft keeps for 18 months by default. If you're leaving Copilot behind, finish the job with our companion guide: how to delete your Copilot history, account activity and Memory.

For IT Admins: Blocking Copilot Fleet-Wide in 2026

A short section for the people doing this on two hundred machines instead of one:

• Use AppLocker, not the legacy policy. Microsoft explicitly recommends an AppLocker rule instead of the deprecating TurnOffWindowsCopilot GPO/MDM policy. Rule target: Publisher CN=MICROSOFT CORPORATION, O=MICROSOFT CORPORATION, L=REDMOND, S=WASHINGTON, C=US, package name MICROSOFT.COPILOT, version * and above. Enabled, it both prevents installation on clean machines and blocks launch where the app already exists.
• Copilot hardware key: configurable via User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Copilot → Set Copilot Hardware Key (CSP: WindowsAI/SetCopilotHardwareKey).
• Microsoft 365 side: Copilot Chat pinning across the Microsoft Copilot app, Outlook and Teams is controlled from the Microsoft 365 admin center's pinning settings — set it deliberately, because "no selection" means users get prompted to pin it themselves.
• Worth knowing before you block everything: for Entra work accounts, Copilot Chat carries enterprise data protection — prompts and responses fall under the same Data Protection Addendum terms as other customer data. Whether that changes your decision is your call; it's the fact that should inform it.

Update, October 2026: The Process Names You See in Startup Apps and Task Manager

Most people who land on this page in 2026 got here by typing a file name they saw in Task Manager. So here is the part the guide above never had, because these files did not exist when it was written. There are now four different executables that all show up as some flavor of "Copilot", and they belong to three different apps. Knowing which one you are looking at tells you which switch to flip.

Ethan hit this on a client's laptop last week: the Startup apps list showed "Microsoft 365 Copilot" with a file called M365Copilot_Autostarter.exe, and the client was convinced it was malware because their security software had flagged it. It is not malware. It is also not the Copilot you uninstalled in the 2026 section above. Here is the map.

File name	Which app it belongs to	Where it lives	What to do
M365Copilot_Autostarter.exe	The Microsoft 365 Copilot app (the Store app that used to be called "Microsoft 365" or "Office"). This small helper is what puts the app in your Startup list.	Inside the app's package folder under C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub_...	Settings → Apps → Startup → switch Microsoft 365 Copilot off. Or Task Manager → Startup apps → right-click → Disable. The app keeps working when you open it; it just stops preloading at sign-in.
M365Copilot.exe (formerly WebViewHost.exe)	The same Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Microsoft renamed its main executable from WebViewHost.exe to M365Copilot.exe in the update that rolled out from late October 2025, so older write-ups and older allowlists still use the old name.	Same WindowsApps package folder	Nothing to disable here; this is the app itself. If you do not want the app at all: Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Microsoft 365 Copilot → Uninstall.
Copilot.exe	The Copilot Store app from late 2024 through early 2026 (package name Microsoft.Copilot). This is the one the 2026 section above tells you to uninstall.	C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.Copilot_...	Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Copilot → Uninstall, or the PowerShell line in section 5.3.
mscopilot.exe	The new Copilot app that started replacing Copilot.exe in spring 2026. What the Store downloads now is an installer, the way the Edge installer works, and the app ships its own private copy of Edge (about 850 MB on disk) to draw its interface.	C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Copilot\Application\mscopilot.exe	Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Copilot → Uninstall. Then check Startup apps once more, because the installer-style app registers its own entry.

The short version: if the Startup entry says Microsoft 365 Copilot, it is the Office-side app and the autostarter is the thing to switch off. If it says Copilot, it is the Windows-side app and uninstalling it is the clean answer. Disabling one does nothing to the other, which is why so many people "turn off Copilot" and still see a Copilot process the next morning.

"Windows cannot find ...\MS365Copilot.exe": the error the rename created

If you started seeing a "Windows cannot find" box at sign-in or when opening Outlook or Excel, pointing at a path that ends in MS365Copilot.exe, you are caught between two versions. Office is calling the executable by its new name, but the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on the machine is still the old build that only has WebViewHost.exe (or the other way round). The fix is not to hunt for the file. Open the Microsoft Store, go to Downloads, and let every pending update install, including the one for Microsoft 365 Copilot; then run Windows Update and update Office. The box stops the moment both sides agree on the name. Do not reinstall Windows for this, and do not download an "MS365Copilot.exe" from anywhere.

For IT admins: the autostarter and your EDR

Two things worth knowing before the tickets arrive. First, M365Copilot_Autostarter.exe has shipped unsigned in the builds that landed from August 2025 onward (Microsoft 365 app versions in the 19.2508 and 19.2509 range), which is why CrowdStrike and similar sensors keep raising low-confidence, informational detections on it. It is a clean file; the detection is the sensor doing its job on an unsigned binary in a system path. An exclusion by hash is the usual answer, with a note in your change log to revisit when Microsoft signs it. Second, any allowlist, AppLocker rule or monitoring query that references WebViewHost.exe needs M365Copilot.exe added next to it, or the rule silently stops matching after the rename. If you blocked Copilot fleet-wide using the AppLocker approach in the IT admin section, re-check it against all four names above.

Written October 1, 2026, after the process names changed again. If a fifth name turns up on your machine, tell me in the comments and I will add it to the table.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is M365Copilot_Autostarter.exe and is it safe?

It is the startup helper for the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, the Store app that used to be called Microsoft 365 or Office. It is safe, but it ships unsigned, which is why some security tools flag it. Turn it off under Settings → Apps → Startup if you do not want the app preloading at sign-in.

What is mscopilot.exe?

The main executable of the new Copilot app that began replacing the Store Copilot app (Copilot.exe) in spring 2026. It installs under Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Copilot and bundles its own copy of Edge, which is why it uses several hundred megabytes of memory in the background. Uninstall it from Installed apps if you do not use it.

Q1: Can I disable Copilot completely without affecting system functionality?

A: Yes, you can disable it temporarily or permanently—but always back up your settings first.

Q2: Why might Copilot appear after disabling it from Task Manager?

A: Hidden entries or background services can re-enable it during updates. Ensure all startup locations are checked.

Q3: Can PowerShell be used to disable Copilot on multiple devices?

A: Absolutely—PowerShell scripts work well for automating these changes across several machines.

Q4: Will disabling Copilot affect Microsoft 365 features in Office?

A: No—disabling Copilot from startup doesn't affect the core functionalities of Office applications.

Q5: Is there any risk of system instability?

A: As long as you follow the instructions carefully and keep backups, the risk is minimal.

Q6: Can I re‑enable Copilot later if I change my mind?

A: Yes—you can restore the shortcuts, registry keys, or settings you disabled initially.

Q7 (2026): How do I completely uninstall Copilot from Windows 11 now?

A: Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Copilot → three dots → Uninstall. Copilot became a standard Store app in late 2024, so it removes like any other app. Re-check after major Windows updates — updates can re-enable it.

Q8 (2026): Why doesn't the TurnOffWindowsCopilot registry key work anymore?

A: It controlled the old sidebar version of Copilot, which Microsoft replaced with the Store app between September and November 2024. Microsoft now lists that policy as subject to deprecation and recommends AppLocker for organizations. On current builds, uninstalling the app is the method that works.

Q9 (2026): How do I turn off Hey Copilot?

A: In the Copilot app: Account → Settings → toggle off "Listen for 'Hey, Copilot' to start a conversation." It's opt-in, and it only listens while the app is running with the PC unlocked — if you've uninstalled Copilot or removed it from startup, nothing is listening.

Q10 (2026): Why is Hey Copilot not working?

A: Working through this guide in reverse, essentially: the wake word only functions when it's toggled on (Account → Settings → "Listen for 'Hey, Copilot'"), the Copilot app is actually running, your PC is unlocked, and the microphone has permission — and it currently understands English only. If you previously used this guide to remove Copilot from startup or uninstall it, that's your answer: nothing is running to hear you.

Q11 (2026): How do I turn off Copilot inside Word and Excel?

A: File → Options → Copilot → clear the "Enable Copilot" checkbox, then restart the app (available since March 2025 in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote on Windows; on Mac it's under Preferences → Authoring and Proofing Tools). The mobile and web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint don't offer the switch — only Outlook does there.

Remember, it's not about rejecting innovation—it’s about configuring your system to work best for your unique needs. Thank you for reading, and I hope this guide empowers you to reclaim control over your PC’s performance.

Happy tweaking!

If you have any follow‑up questions or need further support, feel free to leave a comment !

September 2026 note: this page has helped a lot of people since I first wrote it, and Microsoft has rearranged the furniture more than once in that time. The update section above is current as of September 1, 2026. If a menu on your machine doesn't match what's written here, please say so in the comments — guides like this stay accurate because readers write in, and the next person at a slow, cluttered startup screen will thank you for it.