Microsoft may finally get rid of useless AI features in Windows 11 following user backlash

We recently learned that Microsoft is listening to all the criticism regarding Windows 11's quality and "pain points", and will actually address them this year. While this is heartening news by itself, there may be even better news just around the corner. It seems like Microsoft has also received all the negative feedback surrounding all the AI bloat in the OS, and some of it may be on the way out too.

This report comes from Windows Central's Zac Bowden, who claims that Microsoft is "reevaluating its AI strategy on Windows 11", which may result in certain features being cut or streamlined. Although there are no concrete details around what exactly may get axed, Copilot integrations in Paint and Notepad are being scrutinized. Bowden further hears that Microsoft has paused integrating Copilot buttons into its built-in apps, with the company being more careful about the actual value being offered by AI integration in its existing tooling.

Another interesting report is that the future of Windows Recall is currently unclear. The controversial feature was deemed a privacy nightmare by security researchers and users upon launch, and while Microsoft has been trying to fix its image, these efforts are seemingly turning out to be futile. As it currently stands, Windows Recall won't be scrapped but Microsoft may reposition the technology to fit some other use-case.

On the other end of the spectrum, Semantic Search, Agentic Workspace, Windows ML, and Windows AI APIs are safe from the chopping block, as these backend technologies do serve developers, and eventually, users.

Overall, it's good news that Microsoft is finally paying attention to all the negativity around AI integration in Windows 11. The company received a taste of this back in November 2025, when Windows chief Pavan Davaluri acknowledged that while he intends to transform Windows into an "agentic OS", there is still a lot left to fix. This is a good start, but keep in mind that Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed this report yet.

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Posted Saturday 31 January 2026 at 6:37 am AEST (my time).

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