How to Remove Windows 11 AI in Version 25H2: The Complete Guide
- Olivia Johnson
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
The release of Windows 11 version 25H2 in late 2025 marked a shift from simple AI assistants to what Microsoft calls "Agentic AI." For many, this transition turned the operating system into an invasive service that captures screen history, analyzes input patterns, and consumes significant background resources.
While Microsoft has claimed that some "AI Actions" are now optional due to user pushback, the core integration of services like Copilot, Recall, and the AI Fabric Service often remains deeply embedded in system files. Standard settings menus rarely offer a "turn off" switch that actually works.
For users seeking to remove Windows 11 AI completely, community-driven tools have become the standard solution. Below is the technical method to strip these features from the 25H2 build, followed by an analysis of why this has become necessary for privacy-conscious users.
The Technical Solution: Using the Remove Windows AI Script
The most effective method currently available for the 25H2 build involves a PowerShell utility developed by ZOICWARE, hosted on GitHub. This tool automates the uninstallation of deeply rooted Appx packages and registry keys that manual settings cannot reach.
Prerequisites and Safety Warnings
Before attempting to remove Windows 11 AI components via script, understand that you are modifying system files.
Backup Data: Always ensure critical files are backed up.
Restore Point: Create a System Restore point manually.
Administrator Access: You must have admin rights to execute the necessary commands.
Running the PowerShell Removal Command
The ZOICWARE tool is designed to target specific AI components introduced in the 2025/2026 update cycles.
To use the tool:
Open the Start Menu, type "PowerShell," right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.
Copy and paste the following command directly into the terminal window:
& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zoicware/RemoveWindowsAI/main/RemoveWindowsAi.ps1")))Press Enter. A graphical user interface (GUI) will launch.
The interface allows you to select specific components. To fully remove Windows 11 AI, most users check all available boxes, including Copilot, Recall, Input Insights, and AI Actions. The tool also includes a "Backup Mode" feature within the UI—using this is highly recommended before clicking "Apply."
Once the process finishes (usually 5 to 10 minutes), you must restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Blocking Future AI Re-installation
One major issue with previous debloating methods was that Windows Update would simply reinstall the missing features during the next patch Tuesday.
This specific script addresses that persistence. It installs custom update blockers that target the specific "Cabinet" (CBS) files responsible for deploying AI packages. This prevents the OS from silently re-downloading Copilot or the AI Fabric Service in the background, ensuring your decision to remove Windows 11 AI remains permanent until you decide otherwise.
Why Users Are Forcing the "Remove Windows 11 AI" Process
The drive to strip these features goes beyond simple preference. It is a response to how the 25H2 update handles user data and system resources.
The Rise of Agentic AI and Privacy Concerns
"Agentic AI" refers to systems that don't just wait for a prompt (like a chatbot) but proactively act on your behalf. In Windows 11 25H2, this involves background processes that monitor activity to suggest actions.
Microsoft has issued warnings that if these Agentic features are enabled without a clear understanding of their security implications, they could theoretically be manipulated to install malware or execute unauthorized commands. For enterprise users and privacy advocates, an OS that acts on its own is a vulnerability, not a feature.
Furthermore, features like Recall take periodic snapshots of your screen to create a searchable history. While data is processed locally, the existence of a database containing a visual history of banking logins, private chats, and confidential documents is a security risk many refuse to accept.
Performance Gains from Disabling AI Fabric Services
On a hardware level, the AI components in 25H2 are resource-intensive. The AI Fabric Service runs constantly to handle neural processing tasks. Input Insights logs typing behavior to improve prediction.
Users who remove Windows 11 AI report immediate drops in RAM usage and fewer background CPU spikes. By treating these features as bloatware rather than core components, the operating system returns to a state where system resources are dedicated to the user’s applications, not Microsoft’s data modelling.
User Experience: Scripting Windows vs. Migrating to Linux
When faced with an invasive OS, the logical alternative is often Linux. However, recent discussions in tech communities highlight why "fixing" Windows is often more viable than leaving it.
The Linux Mint Reality Check
A relevant case from January 2026 involves a tech-savvy user, known as OceanRadioGuy, who attempted to migrate to Linux Mint to escape Windows AI.
Despite having the technical skills, the user reverted to Windows within 48 hours. The experience highlighted a common friction point: while Linux Mint offers a clean, AI-free interface, the ecosystem compatibility issues—specifically software that "just doesn't work" without extensive tinkering—created more downtime than the AI features themselves.
This is a critical observation. For many users, the workflow disruption of moving to Linux (finding alternatives for proprietary software, troubleshooting drivers) is more "expensive" than the time it takes to run a script to remove Windows 11 AI.
When to Stick with Debloated Windows
If your daily workflow relies on Adobe Creative Cloud, specific CAD software, or anti-cheat enabled games, staying on Windows 11 is often mandatory.
Community feedback suggests that for gamers, CachyOS (a Linux distro optimized for performance) is a strong contender. For general stability, Ubuntu or Fedora are reliable. But if you require 100% Windows compatibility, the most pragmatic path is to stay on Windows 11 25H2 and aggressively manage its feature set using tools like the ZOICWARE script. It creates a middle ground: the compatibility of Windows without the surveillance of its AI agents.
Deep Dive: What Exactly Gets Deleted?
When you execute the command to remove Windows 11 AI, you aren't just hiding icons; you are stripping out the underlying architecture. Here is what is actually affected.
Copilot, Recall, and Input Insights
Copilot is the most visible target. It is more than a sidebar; it is integrated into search, context menus, and system settings. The removal script deletes the Appx package and the registry keys that summon the overlay.
Recall is the controversial feature that records screen history. Removal ensures the "Snapshot" service is terminated and the storage allocation for its database is released.
Input Insights is less visible but arguably more invasive. It analyzes typing and mouse usage patterns. Removing this cuts off the data stream that Microsoft uses for predictive text and usage analytics.
Edge and Paint AI Integration
The removal process extends to system apps. Microsoft Edge often comes with Copilot sidebar enabled by default; the script enforces policies to disable this integration. Similarly, MS Paint and the Photos app now include "Image Creator" buttons backed by cloud generation. These entry points are removed to prevent accidental activation of cloud-based generative services.
The goal is to return these applications to their basic utility functions, removing the "Create with AI" prompts that clutter the interface.
FAQ: Common Questions About Windows 11 AI Removal
Is it safe to remove Windows 11 AI features using a script?
Yes, but precautions are necessary. The ZOICWARE script is open-source, allowing community review of the code. However, you should always create a System Restore point and backup important data before modifying system files or registry keys.
Will Windows Update reinstall the AI features later?
Standard updates often attempt to reinstall missing components. The script mentioned specifically targets the "Cabinet" (CBS) storage to block these re-installations, but major version upgrades (e.g., moving from 25H2 to 26H1) may require running the tool again.
Can I restore the AI features if I change my mind?
Restoring removed system components can be difficult without a full OS reinstallation. If you suspect you might want them back, use the "Backup Mode" in the script's interface or rely on your System Restore point to undo changes.
Does removing AI affect gaming performance?
Generally, yes, in a positive way. By disabling background services like AI Fabric and Input Insights, you free up CPU cycles and RAM. This reduces system overhead, which can lead to smoother frame rates and less stuttering in resource-heavy games.
Why not just disable AI in Windows Settings?
Settings toggles are often superficial. While they may hide the UI element, the background services (like the AI Fabric Service) often continue running. Scripts are required to uninstall the actual packages and prevent the services from starting.
Is there a Linux distro that feels like Windows but without AI?
Linux Mint is the closest experience to the traditional Windows desktop and comes without any integrated AI. For users who want a strictly verified, bloatware-free experience, it is the top recommendation, provided your software requirements are compatible with Linux.
