How to Remove "AI Actions" from the Windows 11 Context Menu
With recent updates to Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced "AI Actions" and Copilot-driven entries into the right-click context menu of File Explorer and Notepad. While intended to be helpful, these entries can be a "point of failure" for users who rely on muscle memory or a streamlined UI. Here is the technical guide to removing these AI-driven shell extensions.
1. Disabling Copilot via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise)
The most stable way to remove AI actions system-wide is through the Local Group Policy Editor. This disables the "AI backbone" that feeds the context menu entries.
- Press
Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. - Navigate to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot.
- Double-click Turn off Windows Copilot.
- Select Enabled (this enables the "Turn off" command).
- Click Apply and Restart your computer.
2. Using the Windows Registry (All Editions)
If you are on Windows 11 Home, you must use the Registry Editor to hide the AI entries. This targets the specific Shell Extension responsible for the "Rewrite" and "Summarize" actions.
Step-by-Step Registry Hack:
- Press
Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot
Note: If "WindowsCopilot" doesn't exist, right-click "Windows" and create a new Key with that name. - Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it TurnOffWindowsCopilot and set its value to 1.
- Restart
explorer.exeor your PC.
3. Removing "AI Actions" from Notepad
If the AI actions are specifically appearing when you highlight text in Notepad (the "Explain with Copilot" feature), this is managed through the app's internal settings rather than the OS shell.
- Open Notepad.
- Click the Settings (Gear icon) in the top right.
- Find the Show "Explain with Copilot" toggle and turn it Off.
4. Troubleshooting Persistent Context Menu Items
| Issue | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "AI Actions" still visible | Cached Shell Extension | Run taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer.exe in CMD. |
| Greyed out entries | Managed by Organization | Check if your PC is linked to a Work/School account (MDM policy). |
| Notepad AI still exists | App version mismatch | Ensure Notepad is updated via Microsoft Store to see the toggle. |
5. Advanced: Using "ShellExView" for Deep Cleaning
If the registry methods fail, the AI entry might be a third-party shell extension bundled with an update. Download the NirSoft ShellExView utility:
- Search for entries related to
CopilotorAIAction. - Right-click and select Disable Selected Items.
- This is the safest "point of failure" check for non-native shell clutter.
Conclusion
Removing AI actions from Windows 11 requires a combination of disabling the Copilot service and adjusting individual app settings. By using the Registry or Group Policy, you can revert your context menu to a traditional, non-generative state, improving both visual clarity and system performance.
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