Uninstalling the standalone Copilot app and disabling AI writing features in Notepad are two simple steps that can significantly reduce Windows 11’s intrusiveness, according to a privacy guide published by BGR in May 2026. The guide arrives as Microsoft deepens its integration of artificial intelligence across the operating system, raising fresh concerns about data collection and user privacy.

Microsoft Copilot has become a pervasive presence in Windows 11, embedded in the taskbar, the Edge browser, and now available as a standalone app that can be installed from the Microsoft Store. By default, Copilot processes user inputs to generate responses, but its underlying cloud-based architecture means that queries, context, and usage patterns may be transmitted to Microsoft servers. For users who prioritize privacy, each active AI touchpoint represents a potential data leak. BGR’s guide targets the low-hanging fruit: the standalone Copilot application and AI-assisted features in built-in apps.

The standalone Copilot app is distinct from the integrated Copilot experience that appears via the taskbar or the Win+C shortcut. The app version provides a persistent interface and can run at startup, maintaining a continuous connection to Microsoft’s cloud. Uninstalling it is straightforward—navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, locate Microsoft Copilot, and select Uninstall. This action does not disable Copilot entirely; the in-browser version and the taskbar integration may still be active, but it eliminates one background process that could be sharing data. Users should also check startup programs in Task Manager to ensure no Copilot-related entries remain.

Notepad, a staple Windows utility for decades, began receiving AI enhancements in early 2025. These features include “Rewrite” and “Explain,” which allow users to highlight text and let AI rephrase or summarize it. While convenient, these functions require sending selected text to Microsoft’s cloud for processing. BGR’s privacy guide recommends turning off these AI writing features entirely. In Notepad, go to Settings (gear icon) and toggle off “Show AI features” or similar options depending on the version. Some builds may require editing the registry or group policy to fully disable the AI integration, but the guide emphasizes that the visibility toggle is a critical first step.

Why do these steps matter? Each active AI connection increases the attack surface for privacy breaches. Microsoft’s privacy policy allows it to use anonymized data for improving services, but the line between anonymized and identifiable can blur in practice. By uninstalling the Copilot app and disabling Notepad’s AI, users cut two direct pipelines that could transmit everything from casual notes to sensitive documents. The BGR guide underscores that these measures are not paranoid overreactions; they are practical adjustments akin to covering a webcam when not in use.

Beyond Copilot and Notepad, the broader Windows 11 privacy landscape offers additional ways to limit data collection. Microsoft’s diagnostic data settings, found under Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback, control whether the OS sends basic or optional telemetry. Setting this to “Required diagnostic data” minimizes what Windows shares, though it does not eliminate necessary security data. Similarly, the advertising ID—a unique identifier used for targeted ads—can be turned off in Settings > Privacy & security > General. Disabling the advertising ID prevents apps from using it to track your preferences across the system. While BGR’s guide focuses on AI-specific intrusiveness, these complementary steps create a more privacy-respecting environment.

App permissions represent another layer of control. In Settings > Privacy & security, users can review which applications have access to the microphone, camera, location, and other sensors. Many AI features, including voice interactions with Copilot, rely on the microphone; revoking microphone access for apps that don’t need it reduces unintended audio capture. Additionally, the “Inking & typing personalization” setting under Diagnostics & feedback should be disabled to prevent Windows from collecting your typing and handwriting patterns to build a local user dictionary.

Critics argue that Microsoft has not made these settings easily discoverable. The BGR guide laments that privacy options are scattered across multiple menus, and some AI features are enabled by default without explicit consent. For example, the Copilot app may install automatically during a system update, and the Notepad AI features might activate after an app refresh. The guide advises users to periodically check for new privacy-invading features after major Windows updates, as Microsoft often introduces them under the “Experiences” or “Optional features” banners.

The impact of disabling these AI features is minimal for users who don’t rely on them. If you never use Copilot for daily tasks, uninstalling it frees system resources and stops background activity. Turning off Notepad’s AI returns the program to its classic, no-frills state. The trade-off is clear: you lose some convenience but gain peace of mind. For those who occasionally need AI assistance, using the web-based Copilot in a private browser session with restrictively configured cookies offers a compromise that doesn’t leave a permanent app installed.

Microsoft’s official response to such privacy guides typically emphasizes user choice and transparency. The company points to its privacy dashboard, where users can view and delete collected data. However, the BGR guide notes that proactive prevention—removing AI providers in the first place—is more effective than post-hoc cleanup. Once data reaches Microsoft’s servers, it may be retained for varying periods, and deletion requests can take days to process.

The May 2026 guide also highlights a broader trend: as operating systems evolve into AI platforms, the traditional boundaries between local processing and cloud services blur. Windows 11’s integration of Copilot into the shell (explorer) and productivity apps means that AI is no longer an optional add-on but a fundamental layer. Privacy-conscious users must actively opt out instead of opting in. BGR’s practical steps provide a template for reclaiming some autonomy.

Looking forward, Windows 11 is expected to receive more AI capabilities, including a rumored “AI File Explorer” and deeper Copilot integration in system settings. Each expansion will likely bring new settings to disable—or to accept. The BGR guide suggests that users who are uncomfortable with this direction should consider switching to a local-only Microsoft account (as opposed to an online one) and using third-party tools to block additional telemetry. While these measures go beyond the scope of the guide, they reflect a growing demand for a truly private Windows experience.

In summary, the BGR privacy guide offers two concrete, low-impact actions that can immediately reduce Windows 11’s AI intrusiveness. Uninstalling the standalone Copilot app and disabling AI writing in Notepad are toeholds in a larger struggle to keep personal data local. As AI becomes the new front in the privacy wars, such incremental steps—combined with broader system hardening—will become essential habits for anyone who uses Windows.