Guide to Removing the Copilot Icon from Windows 11 Search
Key Notes
- Simple Registry tweak to hide Copilot icon.
- Disabling Search Highlights accompanies this change.
- Backup your Registry before making any changes.
Mastering Windows 11: Removing the Copilot Icon from Search
The Microsoft Copilot icon may not be useful for everyone, especially if you prefer a cleaner search experience. This guide will provide you with a straightforward way to remove this icon from your Windows 11 search feature, while also addressing the implications of this change.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Remove the Copilot Icon
To remove the Copilot icon from the Windows 11 search function, follow these systematic steps:
Step 1: Open the Run Command
Press Win + R to bring up the Run command box.
Step 2: Launch Registry Editor
Type regedit into the text field and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: Navigate to the Explorer Key
In the Registry Editor, locate the Explorer key in the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
Step 4: Create the Explorer Key (if missing)
If you don’t find the Explorer key, right-click on the Windows key, choose New, then select Key, and rename it to Explorer.
Step 5: Add a New DWORD Value
Right-click in the right-hand pane of the Explorer key, select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new DWORD DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
Step 6: Edit the Value Data
Double-click the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions DWORD. In the Edit Value dialog that appears, change the Value data from 0 to 1.
Step 7: Apply Changes and Exit
Click OK to save changes, then exit the Registry Editor.
Step 8: Restart File Explorer
Restart File Explorer to see the changes in effect. Open the Search box pop-up to confirm the absence of the Copilot icon.
If you wish to display the Copilot icon again, you can simply delete the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions DWORD from the Explorer key and restart File Explorer.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can easily remove the Copilot icon from the Windows 11 search functionality. Remember, this adjustment does not disable the Copilot feature itself but simply streamlines your search experience. Feel free to revisit your settings anytime to toggle the visibility of the icon as per your preferences.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I remove the Copilot icon from the Windows 11 taskbar?
You can remove the Copilot icon from the taskbar by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, then turning off the Copilot button in the Taskbar items section.
How can I disable the Copilot icon on Microsoft Edge?
To turn off the Copilot icon on Microsoft Edge, go to the Edge browser > Settings > Sidebar, find the Copilot option, and toggle off the Show Copilot button.