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  "path": "/tech/microsoft-removes-ai-windows-11-apps",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-28T06:30:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Windows 11— the latest operating system for your device",
    "Best VPN deals",
    "Incoming WhatsApp update will let AI summarise your messages",
    "Google is killing off free tool to check if hackers know your email",
    "Freely strikes deal with Roku to bring Freeview replacement to more TVs",
    "NordVPN launches secure new feature",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nMicrosoft is dialling back on the features of its Copilot Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant.\n\nAs the name suggests, this is the US tech firm's chatty support system designed to act as a “copilot” for work, using AI to draft documents, analyse your data, summarise meetings, create images, and automate routine tasks.\n\nFor example, in Word, it can draft content, restructure documents, and adjust tone. Excel users can get help with formulas, data analysis, and creating charts. PowerPoint gets assistance with building presentations and updating slides.\n\nEach of these features has been added to hopefully cut your work time down significantly.\n\nHowever, while Microsoft is supercharging Copilot across its Office apps, it’s taking a very different approach with Windows 11’s built-in tools like NotePad and Snipping Tool.\n\nThis follows a promise Microsoft made earlier this year, when the company said it would reduce “unnecessary Copilot entry points” across Windows 11— the latest operating system for your device.\n\nMicrosoft explains in a statement: \"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.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nFor instance, Notepad — a preinstalled text editor — has quietly lost all its Copilot branding. Microsoft has simply renamed them \"Writing Tools.\"\n\nBut its current AI features haven't actually gone anywhere. You can still generate text, rewrite content, change tone, and switch between casual and formal styles. The company now describes these as \"Smarter writing tools\" rather than anything AI-related.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * **Best VPN deals**\n  * Incoming WhatsApp update will let AI summarise your messages\n  * Google is killing off free tool to check if hackers know your email\n  * **Freely strikes deal with Roku to bring Freeview replacement to more TVs**\n  * NordVPN launches secure new feature\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWhen you install a fresh copy of Notepad, Microsoft explains: \"Select text to refine clarity, tone, or structure with Rewrite. Summarise condenses longer sections into key highlights.\"\n\nThe feature remains optional and can be switched on/off in Settings under Advanced Features.\n\nFollow these steps to turn the feature on:\n\n  1. Open Notepad after installing a fresh copy.\n  2. Type or paste the text you want to edit.\n  3. Highlight the portion of text you’d like to improve.\n  4. Choose **Rewrite** to refine clarity, tone, or structure.\n  5. Alternatively, select **Summarise** to condense longer text into key points.\n  6. Review and apply the suggested changes.\n\n\n\nTo turn the feature off:\n\n  1. Go to **Settings** within Notepad.\n  2. Navigate to **Advanced Features**.\n  3. Toggle the AI features (Rewrite/Summarise) off.\n\n\n\nMicrosoft also still mentions that Writing Tools uses AI when you actually open the feature and start typing prompts.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, Snipping Tool's AI features are going in a different direction. This tool lets you capture, edit, and share screenshots or screen recordings. But now Microsoft has completely removed AI from this built-in feature.\n\nThe Copilot button has been removed from the production version of the app. This means if you have the most up-to-date Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store, you won't find any AI features at all.\n\nSo while Notepad has undergone a rebrand, Snipping Tool has received a complete AI removal.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite these changes, Microsoft is pressing ahead with plans to add AI agents to the Windows taskbar as an optional feature. Instead of opening apps manually, your computer has AI-powered assistants (“agents”) sitting right on the taskbar, ready to:\n\n  * answer questions\n  * automate tasks\n  * interact with your files and apps\n  * act on your behalf\n\n\n\nIt could be a great addition if you want to minimise how many windows you have open at once, keeping your desktop more organised.\n\nThis feature is still being tested before it rolls out to everyone.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Microsoft starts to remove AI from some of its most popular Windows 11 apps in dramatic U-turn"
}