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Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.Application Control
Control your PC apps and their behaviors.What’s that .exe?
Is that executable safe, or a threat?SpyShelter PC Protection
Learn how to protect your PC from bad apps.Registry Protection
Protect your Windows Registry from harm.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.Based on the description from Microsoft.com, "windowscopilot.exe" is a feature that represents a significant integration of AI assistance into the Windows operating system. This integration positions Windows as the first PC platform to offer centralized AI support directly within its ecosystem.
The core function of Copilot in Windows, which evolves from what was formerly known as Bing Chat, extends to providing users with answers and inspirations from across the internet. This tool is designed to bolster creativity and facilitate collaboration among users. Additionally, it aims to enhance productivity by helping users maintain focus on their current tasks. Essentially, Copilot in Windows is crafted to augment the user experience by enabling them to accomplish more through the aid of AI-driven features.
You may be wondering, how can you disable Windows Copilot if you don't want it? If you're not a fan of AI on your PC, it's possible to disable Microsoft's Windows Copilot. First go to Settings/Personalization in Windows, then click "Taskbar" then switch Copilot to "Off".
Next you'll probably want to disable Windows Copilot completely. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and entering "gpedit" into the search bar. Once you find it, open the Group Policy Editor. Within the editor, proceed by navigating through the menu to User Configuration, then Administrative Templates, followed by Windows Components, and finally to Windows Copilot.
Once you're in the Windows Copilot section, locate the policy titled "Turn off Windows Copilot" in the right-hand panel and double-click on it. In the window that opens, you will select the "Enabled" option. Though it might seem odd to click "Enabled" when your aim is to disable Copilot, this action is actually enabling the policy that turns off Copilot. After selecting "Enabled," be sure to apply the changes by clicking "Apply" and then confirm by clicking "OK." With these steps, Windows Copilot will be disabled.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the WindowsCopilot.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs
A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.
Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.
Check your PC for threatsWe’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of WindowsCopilot.exe.
How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.
The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.
Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.
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