It was reported in March this year that Microsoft had decided not to automatically install the Microsoft 365 Copilot application by default in Windows 11. This decision was made due to user dissatisfaction with its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the operating system. Originally, Microsoft had an ambitious plan, but it was resisted by senior users and PC enthusiasts. Now returning the right of choice to users seems to be a very reasonable approach.
According to TECHPOWERUP, however, just a few months later, Microsoft began to reverse its decision and once again chose to force the installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot application in Windows 11. Microsoft said in a note that if users do not want the Microsoft 365 Copilot application to be installed by default on the operating system, they must opt out. Of course, users can also choose to uninstall manually, but administrator rights and additional steps are required.
Microsoft believes that the new approach can simplify users' access to Copilot and ensure that users can easily discover and use productivity-enhancing features. However, users in the EU need not worry because they are not subject to these policy settings and it is illegal to forcefully install software without the user's consent.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is specially optimized for Office applications and can help users summarize document content, create PowerPoint presentations, search for Office files in cloud storage, and use AI to browse these files one by one. Initially, Microsoft 365 Copilot was an optional application, but Microsoft will automatically install it on Windows devices with the Microsoft 365 desktop client starting in October 2025. This is why it adjusted its approach due to a large number of user objections at the beginning of the year.