Copilot can be removed from some managed Windows 11 work devices

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 adds a Group Policy that lets administrators uninstall the free Microsoft Copilot app on eligible managed devices. The policy is limited to Enterprise, Pro, and EDU editions and does not remove Copilot components tied to Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

Microsoft's Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) introduces a Group Policy that allows administrators to uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app from managed workplace devices. The change is intended to remove duplicate Copilot installations in environments where both the free Copilot app and Microsoft 365 Copilot are present. The policy is limited to certain editions and includes specific conditions that must be met before uninstallation. Microsoft has not removed subscription-linked Copilot components as part of this change. Key details: - The new Group Policy is named RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp and targets the free Microsoft Copilot app. - The policy applies only to Enterprise, Pro, and EDU editions and requires administrator control of managed devices. - Uninstallation requires that both the free Copilot app and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps are installed, and the free app must not have been launched within the past 28 days. - Microsoft states that if the policy is enabled, the Copilot app will be uninstalled once and users can reinstall it if they choose. - Microsoft 365 Copilot components tied to paid subscriptions will remain installed and are not removed by this policy. - The build also includes fixes for a crashing File Explorer, duplicate print dialogs, and a cut-off shutdown warning dialog, while some known issues persist. Summary: The update gives admins of eligible managed devices a way to remove a duplicated Copilot app but does not eliminate all Copilot functionality or subscription-linked components. Broader removal of Copilot features across consumer or unmanaged devices is undetermined at this time.