Microsoft is putting an end to microslop on Windows 11 — commits to reducing Copilot across system apps and interfaces

Microsoft's obsession with AI on Windows 11 is finally coming to an end, the company has confirmed. As part of it's big plan to address Windows' biggest problems, Microsoft is reducing where Copilot buttons and menus appear across system apps and interfaces in a major move to reduce AI bloat.

It's a major change in direction for a tech company that has a lot riding on Copilot and AI. It's easily the biggest money maker for the tech giant right now, but that isn't stopping the Windows team from putting its foot and saying "no more" to AI bloat.

Microsoft says that this year, you will see Copilot and AI experiences like the ones found in Notepad, Photos, Snipping Tool, and Widgets be reduced or outright removed where it made little sense to exist in the first place. The company is eager to reduce AI bloat across most system apps and interfaces.

"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," says Microsoft EVP of Windows & Devices, Pavan Davuluri. "As part of this, we are reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad."

It's reassuring to see that the company is willing to reduce the overabundance of AI on Windows 11, especially those which offer no real value to the end user. It should result in a much cleaner looking OS, where Copilot only really exists in a few key areas such as the dedicated Copilot app and Ask Copilot search box.

Of course, some Copilot integrations will likely remain, but the company hasn't been explicit about which features will be sticking around. It does say that going forward, the company will be "thoughtful about how and where we bring AI into Windows, leading with transparency, choice and control, so that new capabilities enhance the experience rather than complicate it."

It's a refreshing change of pace for Microsoft and Windows, which for the last two years has been falling over itself to bring unnecessary AI features to the forefront of Windows. With the company now pulling back on that effort and focusing more on fundamental OS issues and improvements, hopefully Windows will be better off as a result.

It should mean the days of Microslop are behind us. If Windows can become more stable, faster, and secure as a result of Microsoft refocusing on the fundamentals, everybody wins.

💬 What’s the one AI feature you’d keep on Windows 11?

With Microsoft moving to reduce AI on Windows, I want to know what feature you'd want Microsoft to keep across the many Copilot and AI experiences already present. Are you a fan of Notepad's Copilot menu, or maybe you prefer Copilot in Snipping Tool? Let us know what you'd want to keep around in the comments below.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.