Microsoft Starts Phasing Out Copilot in Windows 11: First Changes in Notepad and Snipping Tool

Notepad and Snipping Tool Drop Copilot Branding

Exciting updates are unfolding for Windows Insiders! The Notepad application has officially transitioned from the controversial Copilot branding, adopting a more understated “Writing tools” icon. Previously, the Copilot logo, with its vibrant colors, was prominently displayed in the top-right corner, drawing considerable criticism from users, despite the option to disable it.

Similarly, the Snipping Tool had incorporated a Copilot icon when users selected an area for quick markup. Notably, it appears that the standard version of the Snipping Tool has also eliminated this logo without providing an option for users to disable it, marking a significant and unexpected shift.

Notepad and Snipping Tool remove Copilot — Transition of Notepad and Snipping Tool branding

Microsoft’s Acknowledgment and Strategy Shift

On March 20, Pavan Davuluri, President of Windows and Devices, shared a blog post titled “Our Commitment to Windows Quality”. This announcement was a clear acknowledgment from Microsoft that their aggressive promotion of AI tools had perhaps overstepped its bounds. The roadmap presented aimed to enhance Windows 11, focusing on a more user-friendly approach.

One significant focus of the blog was Microsoft’s plan to minimize “unnecessary Copilot entry points, ” starting with applications such as Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets. Following this, Notepad has now completely phased out the Copilot logo, substituting it with a new pen icon that reveals “Writing tools” on hover, notably devoid of any reference to AI.

Changes in Notepad’s Functionality

In the recent Notepad version 11.2512.28.0, Microsoft has entirely removed the Copilot branding from the Write, Rewrite, and Summarize tools section.

Windows Notepad version number removing Copilot — Version details of Notepad with Copilot removed

It’s essential to note that while the Copilot branding has been eliminated, AI tools remain functional within Notepad. Users can still deactivate these features through the settings, which have been relabeled to “Advanced Features” instead of “AI Features.”

Impact of the Branding Changes

Despite some skepticism regarding Microsoft’s AI roadmap, the phased-out Copilot branding marks a pivotal step in addressing user sentiment against it, which has contributed to negative perceptions of the company, including the “Microslop” critique. However, the functionality remains intact, as users retain the ability to turn off the AI tools easily.

Notepad writing tools powered by AI — Deactivate AI-powered writing tools in Notepad

Interestingly, Microsoft appears to be reversing its commitment to branding that was once deemed essential for the future, particularly evident in the transition from “AI Features” to “Advanced Features.” Functionality remains unchanged, indicating that this shift is primarily a rebranding effort.

Notepad AI Features renamed — AI Features in Notepad renamed

Snipping Tool Also Removes AI References

Months ago, users testing the Snipping Tool with Visual Search noticed the presence of a Copilot icon whenever they selected a capture area. Recently, this icon has also been removed, along with any other signs of AI integration in the Snipping Tool, which has gone unnoticed by many regular users.

Previously featured Copilot icon in Snipping Tool

The removal of Copilot branding from both Notepad and Snipping Tool signifies a shift in Microsoft’s overall strategy. While the company is not eliminating AI, it is redefining how these capabilities are integrated within its applications.

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