Others and FAQ

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.

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.

Did You Know? Saving just 10 seconds on boot time can make a noticeable difference in your system’s efficiency.

4. Basic Methods to Disable Copilot from Startup

4.1. Using Windows Settings

Follow these steps to disable Copilot via Windows Settings:

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

4.2. Disabling via Task Manager

Another method is to disable Copilot using Task Manager:

Open the Task Manager Right-click on an empty area of your taskbar and select “Task Manager.” Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
Go to the Startup Tab Within the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup” tab. This shows all the applications that run during startup.
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.)
Right-Click and Disable Right-click on the Copilot entry and select “Disable.”
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:

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

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:

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

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

Pro Tip: Always export (backup) registry keys before modifying them so you can easily revert if needed.

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

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

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 !

Logeshwaran.org

Disabling Copilot & Microsoft 365 Copilot from Startup on Windows - Guide

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