Microsoft has begun the removal of Copilot buttons from various built-in Windows 11 applications, including Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets.
This week, reports indicated that the latest Insider version of Windows 11, version 11.2512.28.0, has removed Microsoft Copilot language from significant areas, such as the Notepad application on the computer.
In the past, Notepad used Copilot to provide generative writing assistance, featuring a button with the AI tool’s swirling logo located at the top right of the toolbar.
The options included writing from scratch using prompts, rewriting, altering tone, and more.
However, in the most recent update, the Copilot terminology has been removed from Notepad, and the feature has been rebranded as “Writing tools.”
The “Writing tools” feature appears to keep all the same AI functionalities that Copilot offered, albeit without the associated name.
Additionally, the Copilot branding has been eliminated from the Notepad settings, with AI tools now moved to the Advanced Features section.
This modification follows reports from March indicating that Microsoft is subtly retreating from integrating Copilot into numerous aspects of Windows 11.
The Snipping Tool has undergone a more major transformation.
The Copilot button is no longer visible when users choose an area to capture. In contrast to Notepad, there was previously no way to disable it manually.
Why Microsoft is making the change
Earlier, the President of Windows and Devices Pavan Davuluri, released a blog post entitled “Our commitment to Windows quality.”
Davuluri characterised this change as a conscious evolution in Microsoft’s approach to integrating AI within its operating system.
He said, “You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well-crafted.”
“As part of this, we are reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad”, he added further.
Read more: Microsoft Copilot Cowork now available for Windows users
