Enable or Disable Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
Microsoft Edge integrates Copilot Actions—an AI-powered feature designed to assist you directly within the browser. These actions appear in the sidebar or context menu, allowing you to summarize pages, generate content, explain concepts, or get step-by-step help while browsing. If you prefer not to use AI assistance or want tighter control over privacy, you can easily turn this feature on or off.
🧩 What Are Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge?
Copilot Actions are context-aware tools built into Edge’s sidebar and right-click menus. They connect to Microsoft’s AI services to provide quick suggestions or perform specific tasks such as:
- Summarizing long articles or PDFs
- Explaining technical terms or code snippets
- Creating emails, posts, or reports from webpage content
- Translating text or generating search-based insights
By default, these features are enabled for users signed in with a Microsoft account or Entra ID account, but administrators and users can control them.
⚙️ Enable or Disable Copilot Actions (User Method)
Option 1: Using Microsoft Edge Settings
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots (⋯) in the upper-right corner → select Settings.
- In the left pane, click Sidebar.
- Under App and notification settings, locate Copilot.
- Toggle Enable Copilot in Microsoft Edge On or Off.
- Restart Edge to apply the change.
Tip: If you disable Copilot, the Copilot button will be hidden from the toolbar and context menus.
Option 2: Using Group Policy (Admin Control)
For IT administrators managing multiple Windows 11 devices, you can configure Copilot Actions via Group Policy.
- Download and install the latest Microsoft Edge ADMX templates from the Microsoft Edge for Business site.
- Open the Group Policy Editor (
gpedit.msc). - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Copilot - Double-click Allow Copilot in Microsoft Edge.
- Choose one of the following options:
- Enabled – Allows users to access Copilot features.
- Disabled – Hides Copilot and disables AI suggestions.
- Not Configured – Default user setting applies.
- Click Apply → OK → Restart Edge.
This method is ideal for enterprise or education environments using Microsoft Intune or Active Directory.
Option 3: Using Microsoft Intune (Cloud Policy)
For cloud-managed devices:
- Open Intune Admin Center → Devices → Configuration Profiles.
- Create a new profile using Settings Catalog.
- Search for and enable the setting:
- Allow Copilot in Microsoft Edge
- Set the desired value (Enabled or Disabled).
- Assign the policy to target device groups and click Create.
This automatically synchronizes to enrolled Windows 11 devices running Microsoft Edge.
🧠 Why Disable Copilot Actions?
- Privacy: Reduces data exchange with cloud-based AI services.
- Performance: Prevents background AI suggestions and sidebar loading.
- Policy Compliance: Maintains focus and consistency in corporate environments.
✅ Summary Table
| Method | Scope | Path / Steps | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge Settings | Individual user | Settings → Sidebar → Copilot | Quick toggle for personal use |
| Group Policy | Domain / local admin | Administrative Templates → Microsoft Edge → Copilot | Policy enforcement across devices |
| Intune Policy | Cloud-managed | Devices → Configuration Profiles → Settings Catalog | Centralized control for enterprise |
💬 Final Notes
Whether you’re a home user wanting fewer distractions or an IT admin managing organizational compliance, Microsoft Edge makes it simple to control Copilot Actions. Turning it off hides AI assistance while keeping the browser lightweight and secure. Enabling it, on the other hand, unlocks productivity and contextual help for modern browsing on Windows 11.
