win: add disabling Windows Copilot #263, #266

This commit implements scripts to disable Windows Copilot (Copilot in
Windows), addressing issues #263 and #266.

Changes include:

- Add category and scripts to disable Windows copilot.
- Incorporate a restart explorer suggestion across all taskbar
  modification scripts to ensure consistency in user experience.
This commit is contained in:
undergroundwires
2024-01-22 09:57:12 +01:00
parent 541f9aa5ee
commit cd425502ae

View File

@@ -3421,9 +3421,15 @@ actions:
-
name: Remove "Cortana" icon from taskbar
recommend: standard
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowCortanaButton" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
# This key does not exist on Windows 11 since 22H3, but exists with value `0` on Windows 10 since 22H2
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowCortanaButton" /f 2>nul
call:
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowCortanaButton" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
# This key does not exist on Windows 11 since 22H3, but exists with value `0` on Windows 10 since 22H2
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowCortanaButton" /f 2>nul
-
function: ShowExplorerRestartSuggestion
-
name: Disable Cortana in ambient mode
recommend: standard
@@ -4052,10 +4058,17 @@ actions:
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WcmSvc\wifinetworkmanager\config" /v "AutoConnectAllowedOEM" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
-
name: Disable app launch tracking (hides most-used apps)
docs: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/enable-or-disable-app-launch-tracking-in-windows-10
recommend: strict
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "Start_TrackProgs" /d 0 /t REG_DWORD /f
revertCode: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "Start_TrackProgs" /d 1 /t REG_DWORD /f
docs: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/enable-or-disable-app-launch-tracking-in-windows-10
call:
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "Start_TrackProgs" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
# This key does not exist (tested since Windows 10 22H2, and Windows 11 22H3)
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "Start_TrackProgs" /f 2>nul
-
function: ShowExplorerRestartSuggestion
-
name: Disable Website Access of Language List
recommend: standard
@@ -9869,8 +9882,15 @@ actions:
)
-
name: Disable sync provider notifications
code: reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowSyncProviderNotifications" /d 0 /t REG_DWORD /f
revertCode: reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowSyncProviderNotifications" /d 1 /t REG_DWORD /f
call:
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowSyncProviderNotifications" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
# This key does not exist (tested since Windows 10 22H2, and Windows 11 22H3)
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowSyncProviderNotifications" /f 2>nul
-
function: ShowExplorerRestartSuggestion
-
name: Disable hibernation for faster startup and to avoid sensitive data storage
docs: |-
@@ -14649,7 +14669,8 @@ actions:
[3]: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-up-to-date-with-widgets-7ba79aaa-dac6-4687-b460-ad16a06be6e4 "What data does Microsoft collect? | Widgets | Microsoft"
children:
-
name: Remove Widgets from taskbar
name: Remove "Widgets" from taskbar
recommend: strict
docs: |-
To control whether the Widgets button is visible on the taskbar, Microsoft introduced `TaskbarDa` registry value [1].
Possible `DWORD` 32-bit settings for the `TaskbarDa` value are [1] [2]:
@@ -14661,9 +14682,15 @@ actions:
[1]: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/add-or-remove-widgets-button-on-taskbar-in-windows-11.32/ " Add or Remove Widgets Button on Taskbar in Windows 11 | Windows Eleven Forum"
[2]: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/new-windows-11-registry-hacks-to-customize-your-device/ "New Windows 11 registry hacks to customize your device | Bleeping Computer"
recommend: strict
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "TaskbarDa" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "TaskbarDa" /f 2>nul
call:
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "TaskbarDa" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
# This key does not exist (tested since Windows 10 22H2, and Windows 11 22H3)
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "TaskbarDa" /f 2>nul
-
function: ShowExplorerRestartSuggestion
-
name: Remove "Windows Web Experience Pack" (breaks Widgets)
recommend: strict
@@ -14708,13 +14735,173 @@ actions:
packageName: MicrosoftWindows.Client.WebExperience # Get-AppxPackage MicrosoftWindows.Client.WebExperience
publisherId: cw5n1h2txyewy
-
name: Remove Meet Now icon from taskbar
name: Remove "Meet Now" icon from taskbar
recommend: strict
docs: # Skype feature, introduced in 20H2, KB4580364 update
- https://admx.help/?Category=Windows_10_2016&Policy=Microsoft.Policies.TaskBar2::HideSCAMeetNow
- https://www.windowscentral.com/how-disable-meet-now-feature-windows-10
code: reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer" /v "HideSCAMeetNow" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
revertCode: reg delete "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer" /v "HideSCAMeetNow" /f
-
category: Remove Windows Copilot
docs: |-
This category includes scripts to disable or remove the Windows Copilot feature.
"Windows Copilot" is also known as "Copilot in Windows" [1] [2] [3],
Windows Copilot is an AI assistant within Windows [1] [2].
It helps with a wide range of tasks, like adjusting system settings [1] [2].
It integrates with Bing Chat to deliver web results [1], and supports generating creative content, like images [1] [2],
and providing personalized suggestions based on user data analysis [2].
While these features enhance user experience, they raise privacy concerns due to the extensive personal
data access and processing involved, including user files [4], keyboard and voice inputs [3], and browser
history [3].
Such data is transmitted to Microsoft's servers [3].
Transmitting this data to Microsoft poses potential privacy and security risks.
Moreover, Copilot's susceptibility to attacks like prompt engineering underlines its security risks [5].
More about security vulnerabilities: [Attacks on language models](https://erkinekici.com/articles/attacks-on-language-models/).
Removing Windows Copilot reduces privacy and security risks, improves system performance, and simplifies
the user interface.
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122063553/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/copilot-ai-features "Copilot in Windows & Other AI-Powered Features | Microsoft | www.microsoft.com"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122063357/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/welcome-to-copilot-in-windows-675708af-8c16-4675-afeb-85a5a476ccb0 "Welcome to Copilot in Windows - Microsoft Support | support.microsoft.com"
[3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122063412/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/copilot-in-windows-your-data-and-privacy-3e265e82-fc76-4d0a-afc0-4a0de528b73a "Copilot in Windows: Your data and privacy - Microsoft Support | support.microsoft.com"
[4]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122063447/https://concentric.ai/too-much-access-microsoft-copilot-data-risks-explained/ "2023 Microsoft Copilot Data Risks Explained | Concentric AI | concentric.ai"
[5]: https://erkinekici.com/articles/attacks-on-language-models/ "Attacks on language models :: Erkin Ekici | erkinekici.com"
children:
-
name: Disable Copilot feature
recommend: strict
docs: |-
This script deactivates the Windows Copilot feature, enhancing user privacy and potentially improving system performance.
By default, Copilot is enabled and appears on the taskbar when available [1] [2].
Disabling Windows Copilot prevents it from appearing on the taskbar and stops it from functioning [1] [2].
This action is useful for users who prioritize privacy and system performance, as it eliminates a potential
channel for data sharing with Microsoft servers and reduces the attacks on language models [3].
Read more: [Attacks on language models](https://erkinekici.com/articles/attacks-on-language-models/).
The script operates by modifying two registry keys:
- `HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot!TurnOffWindowsCopilot`:
This key disables Copilot for all users on the device [2] [4].
- `HKCU\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot!TurnOffWindowsCopilot`:
This key disables Copilot for the current user [1] [4].
To fully disable Copilot, both machine-level (`HKLM`) and user-level (`HKCU`) settings might need
adjustment, given reports that `HKLM` alone is inadequate [4].
This script turns off Copilot, enhancing privacy by preventing data collection and transmission,
and improving security by reducing the risk of language model attacks [3].
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122064120/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/manage-windows-copilot "Manage Copilot in Windows - Windows Client Management | Microsoft Learn | learn.microsoft.com"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134328/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-windowsai#turnoffwindowscopilot "WindowsAI Policy CSP - Windows Client Management | Microsoft Learn | learn.microsoft.com"
[3]: https://erkinekici.com/articles/attacks-on-language-models/ "Attacks on language models :: Erkin Ekici | erkinekici.com"
[4]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122064046/https://www.elevenforum.com/t/enable-or-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows-11.17045/ "Enable or Disable Windows Copilot in Windows 11 Tutorial | Windows 11 Forum | www.elevenforum.com"
call:
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot" /v "TurnOffWindowsCopilot" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "1" /f
# This key does not exist (tested since Windows 10 22H2, and Windows 11 22H3)
revertCode: reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot" /v "TurnOffWindowsCopilot" /f 2>nul
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot" /v "TurnOffWindowsCopilot" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot" /v "TurnOffWindowsCopilot" /f 2>nul
-
name: Disable Copilot access
recommend: strict
docs: |-
This script disables Copilot access on your computer, enhancing your privacy.
It prevents the Copilot feature from activating or being suggested for use locally [1] [2].
When activated, Copilot can access and process a vast array of personal data, potentially leading to privacy concerns.
By setting your local user's eligibility status to "ineligible" this script effectively removes the possibility of Copilot
being automatically offered or activated on your system.
It works by adjusting the `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Copilot\BingChat!IsUserEligible` registry key [1] [2] [3].
Typically, this key may be modified by Microsoft based on your account activity [3].
However, running this script will override such adjustments, maintaining your privacy preference and potentially
enhancing system performance by disabling background services.
Please restart your computer after applying this script to activate changes [2] [3].
If reverting, relog into your Microsoft account to reset settings [3].
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122065339/https://itstechbased.com/how-to-enable-new-copilot-ai-in-windows-11-22631-2262-beta/ "How to Enable New Copilot AI in Windows 11 22631.2262 (Beta) - Tech Based | itstechbased.com"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122065302/https://betawiki.net/wiki/Windows_10_build_19045.3754 "Windows 10 build 19045.3754 - BetaWiki | betawiki.net"
[3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122065316/https://www.neowin.net/guides/how-to-enable-copilot-in-windows-10/ "How to enable Copilot in Windows 10 - Neowin | www.neowin.net"
call:
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Copilot\BingChat" /v "IsUserEligible" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
# Default value for this key varies, seen as `0` on some Windows 11 22H3, key does not exist on some Windows 10 22H2
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Copilot\BingChat" /v "IsUserEligible" /f 2>nul
-
function: ShowComputerRestartSuggestion
-
name: Disable Copilot auto-launch on start
recommend: strict
docs: |-
This script stops the Copilot feature from automatically starting up with Windows,
providing a more controlled and resource-efficient computing experience.
With the release of Windows 11 builds 25992 (Canary) and 23615 (Dev), users encountered a new functionality
that would auto-launch Copilot on wider screens [1] [2] [3].
This script modifies the `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Notifications\Settings!AutoOpenCopilotLargeScreens`
registry key to configure this setting [1] [2].
This script ensures Copilot stays inactive at startup, activating only when the user initiates it manually.
This change not only respects user preference but also frees up system resources that would otherwise be consumed by this feature,
potentially leading to faster startup times and better overall performance.
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122071219/https://www.elevenforum.com/t/enable-or-disable-open-copilot-at-startup-in-windows-11.19626/ "Enable or Disable Open Copilot at Startup in Windows 11 Tutorial | Windows 11 Forum | www.elevenforum.com"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122071337/https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/01/11/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-23615-dev-channel/ "Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23615 (Dev Channel) | Windows Insider Blog | blogs.windows.com"
[3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122071352/https://geekrewind.com/how-to-turn-open-copilot-when-windows-starts-on-or-off-in-windows-11/ "How to Turn “Open Copilot when Windows Starts” On or Off in Windows 11 - Geek Rewind | geekrewind.com"
call:
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Notifications\Settings" /v "AutoOpenCopilotLargeScreens" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
# This key does not exist (tested since Windows 10 22H2, and Windows 11 22H3)
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Notifications\Settings" /v "AutoOpenCopilotLargeScreens" /f 2>nul
-
name: Remove "Copilot" icon from taskbar
recommend: strict
docs: |-
This script removes the Copilot icon from the taskbar.
Windows added a taskbar button enabled by default to launch Windows Copilot [1].
This feature was introduced with the Windows 11 22H2 Moments 4 update [2] [3].
The script configures the `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced!ShowCopilotButton`
registry key [3] [4].
This script will turn off the Copilot button in the Settings app of Windows 11, which will hide or remove
the Copilot icon from the taskbar [4].
Disabling the Copilot button won't uninstall the feature but will hide the icon from the taskbar, simplifying
the user interface and reducing distractions.
This action also reduces the visibility of a feature with privacy implications from data collection and processing.
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122072226/https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/06/29/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-23493/ "Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23493 | Windows Insider Blog | blogs.windows.com"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122072448/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/october-31-2023-kb5031455-os-builds-22621-2506-and-22631-2506-preview-6513c5ec-c5a2-4aaf-97f5-44c13d29e0d4 "October 31, 2023—KB5031455 (OS Builds 22621.2506 and 22631.2506) Preview - Microsoft Support | support.microsoft.com"
[3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122071203/https://www.elevenforum.com/t/add-or-remove-copilot-button-on-taskbar-in-windows-11.16015/ "Add or Remove Copilot Button on Taskbar in Windows 11 Tutorial | Windows 11 Forum | www.elevenforum.com"
[4]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240122071007/https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-show-or-hide-copilot-button-on-taskbar-in-windows "How to remove Copilot from Taskbar in Windows 11 | www.thewindowsclub.com"
call:
-
function: RunInlineCode
parameters:
code: reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowCopilotButton" /t "REG_DWORD" /d "0" /f
# This key does not exist (tested since Windows 10 22H2, and Windows 11 22H3)
revertCode: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "ShowCopilotButton" /f 2>nul
-
function: ShowExplorerRestartSuggestion
-
category: Advanced settings
children:
@@ -16817,3 +17004,16 @@ functions:
You can restart explorer.exe by restarting your computer or by running following on command prompt:
`taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer`.
showOnRevert: 'true'
-
name: ShowComputerRestartSuggestion
call:
-
function: Comment
parameters:
codeComment: Suggest restarting computer for changes to take effect
revertCodeComment: Suggest restarting computer for changes to take effect
-
function: ShowMessage
parameters:
message: For the changes to fully take effect, please restart your computer.
showOnRevert: 'true'