Microsoft’s aggressive push to integrate artificial intelligence features into Windows 11 has prompted developers to create the RemoveWindowsAI project.
An open-source tool designed to remove or disable unwanted AI components from the operating system.
RemoveWindowsAI is a community-driven utility available on GitHub that gives users granular control over AI features in Windows 11.
The tool allows users to completely remove or disable Copilot, Windows Recall, and other Microsoft AI integrations that many consider invasive or unnecessary.
The tool offers comprehensive AI removal capabilities across multiple Windows components. Recent updates indicate active development, including improvements to package installation status checks, TrustedInstaller fallback methods, and AI-scheduled task removal.
Users can turn off AI features in the Photos app, the Edge browser, and system startup processes. The tool includes backup and revert modes, allowing users to restore their original settings if needed.
| Feature Category | Description & Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Copilot & Recall Removal | completely disables Copilot and prevents the controversial “Recall” screenshot feature from running background tasks. |
| App-Specific Cleaning | Removes AI integrations from specific applications, including the Photos app and Microsoft Edge browser flags. |
| Startup & Tasks | Blocks AI processes from launching at system startup and deletes scheduled AI-related background tasks. |
| Safety & Recovery | Includes Backup and Revert modes, allowing users to easily restore their original Windows settings if they change their mind. |
| System-Wide Reach | Applies AI blocking settings to new user profiles automatically and cleans up deep system registry keys. |
| Advanced Removal | Uses a TrustedInstaller fallback method to bypass Windows protections that normally prevent users from deleting system AI files. |
This safety feature has been refined through recent commits that prevent both modes from being selected simultaneously and add helpful tooltips explaining each option.
The most recent updates, completed on January 6, 2026, demonstrate ongoing refinement of the tool’s functionality.
Developers have addressed package installation issues and enhanced the TrustedInstaller fallback mechanism to improve reliability.
Earlier commits from January added AI-disabling capabilities for new user profiles and improved Edge browser flag management for non-English Windows installations.
Many Windows 11 users object to features like Recall, which captures screenshots and stores sensitive information.
RemoveWindowsAI provides an alternative for privacy-conscious users who want to prevent Microsoft from collecting data through AI-powered features.
The tool’s active commit history shows consistent updates addressing user-reported issues. The development team has addressed various compatibility issues, including resolving empty registry values, managing execution policies, and handling Edge browser scenarios where the browser has never been opened.
The open-source project invites contributions and maintains regular updates.
Users can access the tool on GitHub, where detailed documentation explains installation procedures and usage options for both removing and reverting AI features.
RemoveWindowsAI reflects growing user demand for choice and control over AI integration in operating systems, challenging Microsoft’s default-enabled approach to AI.
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