Microsoft is adding yet another Copilot button to Windows 11. The new control lets you share an app window directly with Copilot to ask contextual questions about what you’re doing. It’s a small UI change with big implications for productivity, privacy, and IT management. In this analysis, we break down what the new Copilot button does, why Microsoft is pushing it, how to disable or control it, and when it actually helps you get work done.
What’s new in Windows 11: Another Copilot button
Microsoft is testing a new “Share with Copilot” entry point that allows you to send the contents of a specific app window to Copilot and chat about it. Think of it as a shortcut: instead of copying and pasting text or taking a screenshot, you can share the active window and ask Copilot for help, summaries, or explanations.
Where it appears and what it does
The feature appears as a quick-share control tied to the active app window. When you invoke it, Copilot receives a snapshot of that window so you can ask questions such as “Summarize this document,” “Explain these settings,” or “What does this error mean?”
Why Microsoft is pushing Copilot deeper into Windows
Microsoft’s strategy is clear: put AI within one click of any task. The more seamlessly Copilot can see what you’re working on, the more helpful it can be. For Microsoft, that means higher daily engagement, stronger differentiation from rival OSes, and a path to monetize premium AI features.
Pros and cons of the new Copilot button
Benefits
- Faster help: One-click context sharing means less copying, pasting, and screenshotting.
- Real-time guidance: Useful for deciphering settings, error messages, and unfamiliar interfaces.
- Accessibility: Assists users who prefer guidance in plain language.
Drawbacks
- Privacy exposure: Sharing a window could include sensitive content if you’re not careful.
- UI clutter: Another button may feel intrusive for users who don’t want Copilot.
- Admin overhead: IT must ensure the feature aligns with data handling policies.
How to control or disable Copilot in Windows 11
Whether you’re a home user or an IT admin, you have options to hide or restrict Copilot experiences. The steps below cover common controls available in current Windows 11 builds. Names may vary slightly depending on your version and region.
Option 1: Hide the Copilot icon (personal devices)
- Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Under Taskbar items, toggle off Copilot.
- Optional: Right‑click the taskbar and deselect any Copilot-related shortcuts.
Note: Hiding the taskbar icon removes a primary entry point, but it may not disable all Copilot experiences added by new features.
Option 2: Turn off Copilot via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise)
For Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, Group Policy provides a way to disable Copilot experiences at the OS level.
- Press Win+R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot.
- Open “Turn off Windows Copilot” (or similarly named policy) and set it to Enabled.
- Run
gpupdate /forceor restart the device.
This policy helps remove Copilot UI entry points and block Copilot-powered features for managed devices.
Option 3: Manage Copilot with MDM/Intune (admins)
In Microsoft Intune or your MDM of choice, use the available Windows policy controls to disable Copilot for targeted groups or devices. Look for the Windows Copilot policy in Settings Catalog or use administrative templates mirroring the Group Policy setting above.
- Scope: Assign to specific Azure AD groups (e.g., Exec, Finance, Contractors).
- Pilot first: Validate in a test ring before broad rollout.
- Audit: Document the policy and rationale to meet compliance requirements.
Option 4: Registry toggle (advanced users)
If you prefer the Registry and understand the risks:
- Open Registry Editor and go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. - Create or set a DWORD value named
ShowCopilotButtonto0. - Restart Explorer (Task Manager > Windows Explorer > Restart) or reboot.
Warning: Registry edits can affect system stability. Back up the registry before making changes.
Privacy: What happens when you “share with Copilot”
When you share a window with Copilot, you’re authorizing Windows to send visual and/or textual context from that window to Microsoft’s service so the assistant can respond. That can include text on screen, UI labels, and other visible content in the shared window.
What to watch out for
- Confidential data: Documents, tickets, customer records, and internal dashboards can contain sensitive info.
- Regulated content: Sharing regulated data (e.g., financial, health, or PII) may violate policy.
- Screens-within-screens: Embedded views (browser tabs, previews) are also part of the window.
Practical safeguards
- Share intentionally: Only use the feature on non-sensitive windows.
- Mask data first: If possible, hide sensitive fields before sharing.
- Use managed accounts: Enforce DLP and retention policies with corporate identities.
- Review privacy settings: Settings > Privacy & security for diagnostics, clipboard, and screen capture permissions.
Productivity: When the Copilot button is actually useful
Used thoughtfully, the new button can reduce friction and speed up everyday tasks.
High‑value use cases
- Summarize long docs: Get a quick brief of lengthy PDFs or Word files.
- Troubleshoot errors: Ask for plain‑English explanations and remedies.
- Explain settings: Translate complex dialogs into actionable steps.
- Accessibility aid: Convert dense UI text into simpler language.
Low‑value or risky use cases
- Sensitive dashboards: Finance, HR, legal, and customer data should remain off limits.
- Proprietary designs/code: Avoid sharing unreleased or confidential work.
- Anything under NDA: Treat Copilot shares like external transfers.
How this fits the broader desktop AI trend
Microsoft isn’t alone. Apple is weaving “Apple Intelligence” into macOS and iOS, while Google pushes AI deeper into Chrome and Workspace. The common thread: context. The more your assistant understands the window in front of you, the better it can help. The tension: users and IT want control over what gets shared—and when.
Admin checklist: Rolling out (or rolling back) the new button
- Inventory devices: Identify Windows 11 versions and channels in your fleet.
- Decide the default: Allow, restrict by group, or disable entirely.
- Update policy: Use Group Policy or MDM to set Copilot behavior.
- Train users: Explain what “Share with Copilot” does and when not to use it.
- Monitor: Review audit logs and user feedback; adjust policies as needed.
Final verdict
The new Copilot button is a logical step in Microsoft’s AI‑everywhere roadmap. For some, it will be a genuine time saver. For others, it’s another unwanted control. The good news: you can hide or disable it. If you decide to keep it, use it intentionally and set clear boundaries for sensitive work. With the right controls, Copilot can be helpful without becoming a privacy headache.
FAQs
Is the new Copilot button mandatory?
No. You can hide the Copilot taskbar icon, and admins can disable Copilot experiences via policy on supported editions.
Will sharing a window expose my passwords or tokens?
Avoid sharing windows that display secrets or sensitive data. Treat “Share with Copilot” like sending a screenshot to a cloud service.
Does Copilot work offline?
No. Copilot requires an internet connection to process your requests in Microsoft’s cloud.
Can I disable Copilot for specific users only?
Yes. In managed environments, use Intune/MDM targeting to restrict Copilot by group or device.
Is this feature available everywhere?
Microsoft rolls out features gradually. Availability can vary by region, edition, and update channel.
How do I get the feature?
Keep Windows 11 up to date. New Copilot integrations typically arrive via monthly or feature updates.
What are the risks for businesses?
Unintentional data exposure. Mitigate with policy, training, and data loss prevention controls.
