I am on Windows 10 pro and have debloated and stripped as much tracking junk as I could from the OS, so Copilot had been long gone… until two days ago, when it reappeared on my start menu. I assumed it was sneakily reinstalled after an update so I uninstalled it.

Less than 30 minutes later, it was back. I uninstalled it again, and again it reinstalled after about an hour.

I’ve tried registry edits, I’ve tried changing the group policy, but it does nothing - Copilot keeps reinstalling itself in the time span of 20 minutes to an hour.

I know being on Lemmy I’m going to get a bunch of “Replace it with Linux!” replies so I’d like to preempt this by promising you that yes, that will happen eventually - there’s just some compatibility issues with a couple of my daily driver programs that are pending a resolution.

For now I must stay on Windows, but Microslops incredibly aggressive Copilot reinstalls are pissing me off and I was just wondering if there are any other means in which I can get rid of this program, or at least hide the stupid ugly thing from my sight?

Edit: I suppose it’s important to note that I am not nearly as tech-savvy as a lot of people here, but I try to get by. Please keep this in mind if I ask stupid questions.

  • The Velour Fog OP
    1·
    12 hours ago

    Pretty much just manually uninstalling and disabling all of the unwanted stuff, and turning off all available telemetry settings. I used to think I was computer savvy, but in comparison to the folks on here I’m not all that knowledgeable at all. I do what I can. Thank you for the link, I’m going to try this. I’m at my wits end. I don’t play League of Legends, but I do use Photoshop. I’ve heard that it runs with Wine, but I need to look further into it.

    Edit: this application appears to have worked, I haven’t seen Copilot come back. Many thanks, I hope it will stay gone this time.

    • Evil_Shrubbery@thelemmy.club
      3·
      20 hours ago

      Oh, so not debloated or stripped.
      Afaik you can’t turn off telemetry without editing the register (“regedit”) and using group policy stuff. Maybe even using a custom install image.

      Doing it all manually & with each update is bonkers.

      Just try that O&O tool (it’s very user friendly & can revert stuff) & leave on only settings you absolutely do use/need.

      • The Velour Fog OP
        2·
        12 hours ago

        It seems to have done the trick, Copilot stopped repopulating on my start menu. I really appreciate the help!

    • bassgirl09
      5·
      23 hours ago

      If you have never tried using GIMP as a replacement to Photoshop, I would suggest doing so depending on your specific needs. There is a learning curve, but nothing worse than Photoshop. There are also lots of online tutorials.

      • The Velour Fog OP
        2·
        12 hours ago

        I worked with GIMP sporadically over the years but never really for long periods, it’s definitely on my list to try again.

      • exaybachae@startrek.website
        5·
        20 hours ago

        I hear the photogimp patch makes transitioning to gimp easier, I haven’t installed it yet, but it’s on my todo list, as I’m setting up to move my Win10 media server/manager to Linux.

      • rbos@lemmy.caEnglish
        3·
        23 hours ago

        Seconded. I always tell people to substitute their apps first.

        Much harder to change everything at once.