MICROSOFT STRIPS COPILOT BRANDING FROM WINDOWS 11

AI DESK■ 1 MIN READ

SUN, APR 12, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 3 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Microsoft is removing Copilot buttons and branding from Windows 11 apps, starting with Notepad. The AI features remain unchanged, but are now labeled as 'writing tools' instead.

The software giant has begun rebranding its AI assistance across Windows 11. In a Notepad update for Windows Insiders, Microsoft replaced the Copilot menu with 'writing tools' and swapped the Copilot icon for a pen icon. The underlying AI functionality is identical to the previous Copilot implementation—only the naming and visual presentation have changed. Microsoft is also removing AI mentions from Settings menus as part of the broader rebranding effort. The move suggests Microsoft is shifting away from the Copilot name while maintaining its AI integration across the operating system. Whether this represents a temporary rebrand or permanent strategy change remains unclear. The updates are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders first, with wider availability to follow.

■ SOURCES

► Engadget ► Hacker News ► The Verge

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MICROSOFT STRIPS COPILOT BRANDING FROM WINDOWS 11

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