Myth: the "Turn off Windows Copilot" policy still disables Copilot — via Microsoft Learn
MythWindows 11Windows 10
Many guides still recommend the TurnOffWindowsCopilot registry value. It controlled the old Copilot sidebar, which Microsoft replaced with a separate Copilot app in late 2024. Microsoft now calls the policy legacy, says it is subject to deprecation, and points admins to AppLocker instead.
What to do instead
- Uninstall the Copilot app from Settings → Apps → Installed apps (see the Copilot entry in this list).
- On managed PCs, block package
MICROSOFT.COPILOTwith AppLocker as Microsoft recommends. - To change what the Copilot key does: Settings → Personalization → Text input → Customize Copilot key on keyboard.
The policy lives under Windows Components > Windows Copilot. Leaving it set is harmless, but don't rely on it.
Sources
- Updated Windows and Microsoft Copilot Chat experience — by Microsoft Learn
- Source reviewed
- 2026-11-02
- Link checked
- 2026-11-02
- Tested hands-on
- Not by Oddbyte.Me
Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.