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Microsoft Scales Back Copilot in Windows 11 With Notepad Rebrand, Snipping Tool Removal

The move signals a quieter, optional-by-default approach.

Overview

  • In Windows Insider builds reported Friday, Notepad drops the Copilot name and icon and now shows a pen labeled Writing Tools that performs the same write, rewrite, and summarize tasks.
  • The Snipping Tool no longer shows the Copilot button for visual searches, leaving the screenshot app without visible AI features.
  • Windows leader Pavan Davuluri said in March that Windows would cut unnecessary Copilot entry points and roll out AI features in a more selective way.
  • Microsoft’s terms of service describe Copilot as for entertainment purposes only and advise users not to rely on it for important advice.
  • Testers first flagged the changes on X and Reddit, and such tweaks in Insider builds often trial new direction before wider release.