Microsoft Copilot removal needs 3 conditions: 28 days unused, both apps installed, no user install on Windows 11

Windows 11 Copilot Removal Policy: The Complex Reality

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) on January 9, 2026, to the Dev and Beta Channels. The update contains several features, including Copilot-powered image descriptions for Narrator, a refreshed Windows Spotlight icon, and Cross Device Resume enhancements.

The release introduces a Group Policy called RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp for Windows 11 Enterprise, Pro, and EDU SKUs. Despite its name suggesting straightforward removal capabilities, the policy comes with strict conditions that IT administrators must navigate. The complexity of these requirements has sparked discussion about Microsoft’s approach to managing Copilot on enterprise devices.

🔍 Interactive Eligibility Checker

Do you have both Microsoft 365 Copilot AND Microsoft Copilot installed?

Both the free Windows 11 Copilot app and the paid Microsoft 365 Copilot service must be present on the device for this policy to work. Having only one installed will prevent the policy from applying.

Was the Microsoft Copilot app NOT installed by the user?

The policy only applies if the Copilot app was installed through a clean Windows installation or by the IT team. If a user manually installed the app themselves from the Microsoft Store or other sources, the RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy will not function.

Has the Microsoft Copilot app NOT been launched in the last 28 days?

This requirement creates a 28-day waiting period. Even opening Copilot accidentally for one second resets this counter back to zero. Users who enable the auto-start on login feature (available since February 2025) will need to disable it in Task Manager’s Startup Apps section to avoid automatic launches. The app’s presence in the Windows taskbar also increases the risk of accidental clicks.

Are you using Windows 11 Enterprise, Pro, or EDU edition?

The RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy is exclusively available on Windows 11 Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions. Home edition users cannot access Group Policy settings and therefore cannot use this removal method.

✅

Eligible for Copilot Removal

Your device meets all four requirements for the RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy. IT administrators can enable this policy through Microsoft Intune or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to perform a one-time uninstallation of the Microsoft Copilot app. The policy will uninstall Copilot once from the managed device. Users retain the ability to manually reinstall the application if they choose to do so after the policy-driven removal.

❌

Not Eligible for Removal

Your device does not meet all the necessary requirements for Copilot removal through this Group Policy. The restrictive conditions prevent the policy from functioning in your current configuration.

📂 Group Policy Editor Location

User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows AI → Remove Microsoft Copilot App

⏳

28-Day Inactivity Requirement

The 28-day requirement creates a practical barrier to removal. With Copilot appearing in the taskbar and available through keyboard shortcuts, accidental launches occur frequently. Each launch resets the 28-day timer completely, requiring another full month of non-use before the policy can function.

🔄

One-Time Uninstallation

The policy performs a single uninstallation action when enabled. It does not permanently block Copilot installation. Users can reinstall the Microsoft Copilot app manually through the Microsoft Store or other installation methods after the IT-driven removal occurs.

💼

Enterprise Management

IT administrators deploy the policy through Microsoft Intune or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) on managed devices. The implementation requires careful consideration of all four conditions before the policy will successfully remove Copilot from endpoint devices.

🐛

March 2025 Update Incident

KB5053598 and KB5053602 updates released in March 2025 contained a bug that unintentionally removed the Copilot app from some Windows 11 systems. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and released a fix, though some users expressed satisfaction with the unexpected removal.

Policy Implementation Overview

The RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy was introduced in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) released to the Dev and Beta Channels on January 9, 2026. The policy requires four specific conditions to be met before IT administrators can remove Copilot from managed Windows 11 Enterprise, Pro, and EDU devices.

The policy functions through Microsoft Intune or System Center Configuration Manager and performs a one-time uninstallation. The 28-day inactivity requirement, the need for both Copilot applications to be installed, the restriction against user-installed apps, and the limitation to specific Windows editions were outlined in the official release documentation.

IT administrators can access the policy through the Group Policy Editor by navigating to User Configuration, then Administrative Templates, followed by Windows AI, and finally selecting Remove Microsoft Copilot App. The policy is currently in preview testing within the Windows Insider Program channels.

🔗 Related Technology Updates

🤖 AI Safety Developments 🔒 Cybersecurity Updates 📄 Microsoft Service Changes ⚡ AI Infrastructure News 🐦 Official Announcement

Windows 11 Copilot Removal Policy: The Complex Reality

Leave a comment Cancel reply

News, Technology