Taking Back Control: A Script to Remove Windows 11's Built-in AI

Windows 11 is pushing AI features hard. From Copilot in your taskbar to Recall capturing your screen, Microsoft is betting big on an integrated AI experience. But what if you don't want it? What if you value system resources, privacy, or just a cleaner, less cluttered OS?

That's the itch this simple PowerShell script scratches. It's a straightforward, developer-built tool for those who prefer to decide what runs on their own machine.

What It Does

The RemoveWindowsAI.ps1 script does exactly what the name implies. It targets and removes or disables the core AI-centric services and applications that come pre-installed with Windows 11. This includes the Windows Copilot runtime, the AI-powered Windows Studio Effects for video calls, and related background services that run by default.

Think of it as a surgical tool to declutter the AI layer that Microsoft has started baking into the OS.

Why It's Cool

The cool part isn't just the result—it's the approach. This isn't a massive, opaque debloating suite. It's a concise, readable PowerShell script. You can open it up, see exactly what it's targeting (processes named *AI*, *Copilot*, *AIG*), and understand the methods it uses (stopping services, removing Appx packages).

For developers, this transparency is key. You can audit it, modify it, or use it as a reference to understand how these AI components are installed and run. It empowers you to make an informed choice about your system's configuration, which is always better than blindly trusting a tool.

How to Try It

Important: This tool modifies your system. Always review a script before running it, and ensure you have a backup or restore point.

1. Head over to the GitHub repository: github.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI
2. Read the README for the latest instructions and caveats.
3. Download the RemoveWindowsAI.ps1 script.
4. Open PowerShell as an Administrator.
5. Navigate to the script's directory and run it:

   .\RemoveWindowsAI.ps1
   

The script will guide you through the process. Remember, some changes may require a restart to take full effect.

Final Thoughts

As developers, we often want a minimal, predictable environment for our work. Unnecessary background services are more than just a privacy concern—they're a potential drain on battery life and system resources. This script provides a clean, reversible way to strip out the AI features you might not be using.

It's a great example of the developer community creating the tools it needs. Whether you use it as-is, fork it to be more aggressive, or just study it to learn, it's a handy resource for taking control of your Windows 11 setup.

@githubprojects