Microsoft begins pulling AI from Windows 11, with Copilot rebranding in Notepad and the Snipping Tool’s removal

Microsoft has started a process to strip AI features from Windows 11, a move some may welcome, but the initial steps feel modest and only partially clear-cut. The Snipping Tool has reportedly shed Copilot entirely for all Windows 11 users. Meanwhile, Notepad’s AI changes are happening in a preview build and look more complicated.

In Notepad’s preview, the Copilot icon itself is gone. The AI capabilities aren’t removed; they’re simply relabeled as “writing tools” and paired with a new, plain pen icon that isn’t colored like Copilot. In short, this looks like a branding change rather than a pure AI purge.

Reaction online has been pointed. A Reddit thread captured the sentiment: “It’s still Copilot, just disguised as writing tools.” Another commenter argued this resembles more of a branding move intended to reduce backlash than a genuine removal. Some critics went further, suggesting the broader campaign against Copilot feels more about optics than substance.

Whether this signals a broader, more thorough AI purge remains unknown. The Notepad change is still under testing, and additional tweaks could arrive. While it seems unlikely that AI will be ripped out of Notepad entirely, developers may still toggle some features off by default. It’s possible the AI tools could be hidden in settings rather than displayed prominently, unless users explicitly enable them.

For now, you can still disable AI features in Notepad—whether labeled Copilot or as “writing tools”—so those who never want AI integrated into their workflow can opt out. True AI skeptics, though, are hoping for a complete removal rather than mere renaming, especially among longtime Notepad fans who prefer a lean, no-frills editor.

Altogether, the moves appear to be a mix of removing branding in some areas and leaving the underlying AI tech in place in others. Tech observers will be watching to see whether Microsoft proceeds with more aggressive removals or simply tightens how these features are presented.

If you want more updates and analysis on this topic, TechRadar will have ongoing coverage as the situation develops.

Notable: this piece reflects ongoing testing and user feedback; changes could still evolve as Microsoft continues to adjust its Windows 11 AI stance.