Windows 11 has introduced a new feature called “copilot” that aims to make multitasking easier by allowing users to snap multiple windows side by side. While this feature can be useful for some, others may find it distracting or unnecessary. If you fall into the latter category, don’t worry – it’s easy to disable copilot on Windows 11. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to disable copilot on Windows 11 and regain control of your multitasking experience.
What is Copilot on Windows 11?
Before we dive into how to disable copilot on Windows 11, let’s first understand what it is. Copilot is a new feature on Windows 11 that allows users to snap multiple windows side by side for easier multitasking. It is similar to the “snap assist” feature on previous versions of Windows, but with some added functionality.
With copilot, you can snap up to four windows on your screen, and they will automatically resize and arrange themselves for optimal viewing. This can be useful for tasks such as comparing documents or referencing information from multiple sources at once.
However, some users may find copilot to be more of a hindrance than a help, especially if they prefer to manually arrange their windows or only use one window at a time. If you fall into this category, keep reading to learn how to disable copilot on Windows 11.
How to Disable Copilot on Windows 11
Disabling copilot on Windows 11 is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Follow the instructions below to turn off copilot and regain control of your multitasking experience.
Step 1: Open Settings
The first step to disabling copilot on Windows 11 is to open the Settings app. You can do this by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on the gear icon in the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Go to System Settings
In the Settings app, click on the “System” tab in the left-hand menu.
Step 3: Click on Multitasking
In the System settings, click on the “Multitasking” tab in the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Toggle off “Snap windows”
Under the “Snap windows” section, toggle off the switch next to “When I snap a window, automatically size it to fill available space.”
This will disable copilot and prevent windows from automatically resizing and arranging themselves when snapped to the side of the screen.
Step 5: Toggle off “Arrange windows automatically by dragging them to the sides or corners of the screen”
If you want to completely disable copilot and prevent windows from snapping to the sides of the screen, toggle off the switch next to “Arrange windows automatically by dragging them to the sides or corners of the screen.”
Step 6: Close Settings
Once you have made your desired changes, you can close the Settings app.
Additional Tips for Managing Multitasking on Windows 11
While disabling copilot can help you regain control of your multitasking experience on Windows 11, there are a few other tips and tricks you can use to manage your windows and improve your productivity.
Use Virtual Desktops
Windows 11 also has a feature called “virtual desktops” that allows you to create multiple desktops for different tasks or projects. This can be useful for keeping your work and personal tasks separate or for organizing your windows into different desktops for easier multitasking.
To create a new virtual desktop, click on the Task View button in the taskbar (it looks like a square with two smaller squares next to it) or press Windows + Tab on your keyboard. Then, click on the “New desktop” button in the top right corner of the screen.
You can switch between virtual desktops by clicking on the Task View button and selecting the desktop you want to switch to.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 11 has several keyboard shortcuts that can help you manage your windows and multitask more efficiently. Here are a few useful shortcuts to try:
- Windows + Left/Right arrow: Snap the current window to the left or right side of the screen
- Windows + Up/Down arrow: Maximize or minimize the current window
- Windows + Tab: Open Task View
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows
Customize Your Taskbar
You can also customize your taskbar to make it easier to manage your windows and multitask. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings” to access the customization options.
You can choose to show or hide certain icons on the taskbar, change the taskbar location, and more. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
While copilot can be a useful feature for some, it may not be necessary or desirable for others. If you find yourself constantly fighting with copilot on Windows 11, follow the steps outlined in this article to disable it and regain control of your multitasking experience.
Additionally, try out some of the other tips and tricks mentioned to improve your productivity and make multitasking on Windows 11 easier and more efficient. With a little customization and some keyboard shortcuts, you can make Windows 11 work for you.
