Windows 11: AI is bothering us even in right-click menus, here's how to get rid of it

Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant is increasingly present in Windows 11. An option has just been added to the context menu, which isn't to everyone's taste.

Microsoft has updated its Copilot app to version 1.25044.93.0, which began rolling out a few days ago. This brings, among other things, a feature that isn't unanimously popular among users: a Copilot option in the context menu that appears when you right-click on a file. While some may find this addition useful, others complain about a context menu that is becoming too cluttered, filled with less-than-essential functions.

Clicking “Ask Copilot” after right-clicking on a file opens the Copilot app, with the relevant file already included in the query. Then, you simply type a prompt or ask a question about the file using voice input. It's a bit more convenient than opening Copilot and then dragging and dropping the file if you already have the file in question handy.

AI everywhere in Windows 11

Don't want this option? You can easily remove it by uninstalling Copilot. If you want to keep the software, the process is a bit more complicated, but far from insurmountable. ElevenForum detailed the procedure:

• Paste or type the following contents as a text file using Notepad: Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked] “{CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}”=””
• Save the file.
• Change the file extension from .txt to .reg. If you named it Copilot.txt, replace it with Copilot.reg, for example.
• Double-click the .reg file. A message appears warning you of a change in the registry, agree to continue.

All you have to do is restart your PC, and the Copilot option will have disappeared from the Windows 11 context menu. However, we should expect Microsoft to continue imposing its AI assistant everywhere in its ecosystem, and in Windows in particular. A clearly visible Copilot button has appeared in Paint, although a paid subscription is required to access it. AI has even appeared in Windows 11 settings recently.