Microsoft cuts Copilot clutter across Windows
Synopsis
Microsoft has begun cutting back Copilot features across Windows after feedback that the operating system was becoming cluttered. Notifications, Settings, and several built-in apps are affected, while the assistant remains available in the Windows taskbar and select Microsoft 365 applications.
Microsoft has reduced Copilot features across Windows, removing planned integrations in notifications, Settings, and apps, while maintaining the assistant in the taskbar and select Microsoft 365 tools.
Key Highlights
- Microsoft cuts Copilot features across Windows notifications, Settings, and built-in apps.
- Some tools in Snipping Tool, Photos, and Notepad are being removed entirely.
- Copilot will remain in the Windows taskbar and select Microsoft 365 apps.
- Latest quarterly revenue reached $70.1 billion, driven mainly by cloud and enterprise services.
Microsoft has started reducing Copilot features across Windows, removing several AI integrations originally planned for system apps. The company has cancelled or paused Copilot tools in notifications, Settings, and other built-in features.
Some features in Windows apps, such as Snipping Tool, Photos, and Notepad, are also being scaled back or removed entirely. The move comes after feedback that Windows was becoming crowded with features that added limited value.
Features scaled back
The reductions include Copilot functionality in notifications and deeper system-level controls that were announced but never fully rolled out. Microsoft will continue to offer Copilot in the Windows taskbar, but broader integration across system tools is now limited.
This change reflects a shift in Microsoft’s approach: instead of adding Copilot to every Windows feature, the company is focusing on areas that offer practical benefit.
Team reorganisation and strategy
The update follows a reorganisation of Microsoft’s Copilot teams, combining consumer and business units. This restructuring aims to streamline Copilot development and align features more closely with user needs.
Although some Windows AI features are being removed, Microsoft continues to provide Copilot in Office applications and select tools under its Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription.
The company reported revenue of $70.1 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, with cloud services contributing significantly. The operating income for the same period increased year-on-year, reflecting continued demand for enterprise and cloud solutions.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Microsoft reducing Copilot features in Windows?
Microsoft is scaling back Copilot features after user feedback that the operating system had too many AI tools with limited usefulness.
Q2. Which Windows apps are affected by the Copilot rollback?
Copilot features in notifications, Settings, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Notepad are being removed or reduced.
Q3. Will Microsoft remove Copilot entirely from Windows?
No. Copilot will remain available in the Windows taskbar and select Microsoft 365 apps, despite the feature reductions.
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
