Microsoft Is Scrubbing the Copilot Name From Some Windows 11 Apps
Tyler Lacoma·2026-04-11·via CNET
The latest changes to the Windows 11 Notepad app and snipping tool show Microsoft is retreating from the "Copilot" branding, even if the AI functions remain.
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations.
With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation.
Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.
ExpertiseSmart home | Smart security | Home tech | Energy savings | A/V
Tired of seeing the Copilot AI logo appear everywhere in Windows 11? It may be getting at least a little less ubiquitous. Reports this week found the latest Insider version of Windows 11, version 11.2512.28.0, has removed Copilot language from key places such as the computer's Notepad app.
Previously, Notepad used Copilot to offer generative writing help, with a button featuring the AI tool's swirly logo on the top right of the toolbar. Options included writing from scratch with prompts, rewriting, changing tone and more. In the latest update, the Copilot language has disappeared from Notepad, and the feature has been renamed "Writing tools."
"Writing tools" appears to offer all the same AI features Copilot did, just without the name. The Copilot branding has also vanished from Notepad settings, with AI tools now relegated to the Advanced Features section. This change follows reports from March that Microsoft is quietly backing away from pushing Copilot into so many parts of Windows 11.
Right now, it looks like Microsoft is pausing its Copilot expansion and removing the branding while leaving the AI features themselves intact, at least on Notepad. Other reports suggest that AI features have disappeared entirely from the Windows 11 Snipping Tool.
Again, it's only the Insider version of Windows 11 that shows these Copilot changes for now. When I booted up my standard version of Notepad, Copilot was still there. So unless you're signed up for early versions of Windows updates, you'll have to wait for these changes to take effect.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
TYLER LACOMA
Editor / Home Security and Smart Home
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations.
With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation.
Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.See full bio
