Forum Discussion
How do I stop Windows 11 from reinstalling Copilot and widgets after every update?
I keep removing Copilot, widgets, and other stuff I never asked for, but after almost every major Windows 11 update, they come right back. I've disabled them in Settings and even used group policy for some, but it doesn't seem to stick long-term. It's frustrating having to clean up the same bloat over and over.
Is there a reliable way to block these permanently, like a registry tweak or a script that survives updates? Or is this just something we have to deal with now? I'm on 25H2 and would rather not do a clean install just to get a leaner system.
1 Reply
There isn’t a registry tweak or removal script that can guarantee those components will never return after a feature update. A clean install wouldn’t guarantee that either.
The distinction worth checking is removing the app versus disabling the feature:
- Widgets: on Pro or Enterprise, use Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets > Allow widgets = Disabled. That disables the feature even if Windows keeps or restores its underlying package. Hiding the taskbar button alone doesn’t do the same thing.
- Copilot: uninstall the standalone app under Settings > Apps > Installed apps. The older Turn off Windows Copilot policy targets the earlier integrated experience; it isn’t a dependable block on the newer standalone app.
After an update, check whether Widgets is actually usable again or whether only its package has returned. If it works despite the policy, run gpresult /h report.html to check whether that policy is still applying.
For a personal PC, keeping Widgets disabled and uninstalling the Copilot app is more maintainable than repeatedly stripping Windows packages. Blocking a reinstalled app from running is possible with application-control policies, but that’s a more involved setup—not a simple permanent “debloat” switch.
