Windows 11, Surface, and Windows Copilot

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ISSUE 20.39 • 2023-09-25 MICROSOFT NEWS By Will Fastie In case we didn’t realize it already, Microsoft told us where we are headed. Last week, Microso
[See the full post at: Windows 11, Surface, and Windows Copilot]

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krism, fisher75, lmacri, rc primak, abbodi86

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All the AI features I can find to rip out will be my first target to contain Microsoft’s ever-expanding adware and spyware inside of the Windows OS, Microsoft’s products and services and their Store Apps. This will be my top priority after upgrading to Windows 11 Pro 23H2. Next up will be taking back technical control of the OS and programs by adding back the technical features Microsoft is “deprecating”. This usually up to now has meant installing third party add-ons to replace what has gone missing in Windows lately.

The impending loss of the current generation of Microsoft Windows Troubleshooters has already forced me to begin learning how to use Powershell to replace wushowhide, as well as forcing me to install third party apps to take up the slack where MS is taking away our control of our devices.

Don’t even get me started about how what the major OS makers are now calling “backup” really needs to go under a different name. The role of full system backups is still vital for many power users, but the Tech Companies seem to want us to save our data to their Cloud servers and blow away the OS and programs whenever we encounter serious operational issues. Even if we can back up our license keys, the settings and policies or Registry changes power users put in place simply cannot be archived and retrieved to/from one single place or one single set of files. Hence the need for accessible, local system image backups and increments. System Restore has long since outlived its usefulness in this regard.

One of the worst things coming at us soon is the deprecation of Wordpad. I will have to find a lightweight alternative for creating and saving RTF documents. Office and LibreOffice are too slow starting up to use the way some of us have been using Wordpad since the early days of Windows.

Fortunately, there are Group Policies in Pro and Enterprise Windows to help me disable and hopefully remove altogether the AI menace from Windows. Unfortunately, these Group Policies must be applied per user, so I will have to brush up on targeting Group Policies to Limited as well as full Administrative users on my Windows PCs.

None of my local accounts uses The Cloud for logins or data storage. No program has my permission to save to the Cloud preferentially. And I will never consent to being always connected to any Cloud servers for any reason. I have my reasons for this, and so do many other computer and mobile device users.

In order to work as envisioned by the Tech Companies, AI needs to be in constant contact over the Internet with the Mothership — Microsoft’s servers in this case. And whenever AI components are “built in”, the more deeply they are embedded within the OS, the more difficult it is and will be to run Windows without them. Every Windows Update may reinstall the AI and disable every guardrail we put into place in between Updates.

If I wanted Microsoft Cortana, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri in my computing world, I would have installed (or kept) them. Even more so with this latest round of Microsoft Spyware and Adware — aka Copilot AI.

All this said, I do see AI’s photo editing and image creation advantages. As long as this would be an opt-in, optional feature set I would have had no problem with it, except the requirement to maintain a constant Internet Connection and allow spying and ad-serving to use these features.

Third parties —  especially open-source third parties —  will offer AI-assisted graphics programs (and even writing programs) without all the spyware and adware the Big Tech Companies are foisting upon users of their products and services. In fact, some independent projects have already gotten off the ground.

AI is not inherently evil — it is only as dangerous as the historically greedy and irresponsible Companies which are developing, deploying and maintaining it.

Whom do YOU trust? And do you want to NEED to be always online to get any productive work done? Do you really want to become dependent on tech which leaves you stranded and unproductive when — not if — there’s a widespread and lengthy global (or even regional) Internet meltdown?

The Sun still sends out mass-ejection events, and power grids do get storm damages and hot-weather overloads, so don’t say you have not been warned. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to continue shopping for a Lithium battery power wall for my home and Lithium battery power banks for my car and my bike. Green tech — NOT!

-- rc primak

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Cybertooth, John18, oldfry, WSbobby-p, Steve S., Charlie, LoneWolf, DLivesInTexas, rbailin

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I have been following the Windows 11 rollout with great skepticism.  However, I was thinking that the product is pretty stable now and (even though my PC isn’t approved by MS) was planning to upgrade in January.  However, the building of an AI layer in Windows has once again put me on the fence.  I rarely use any heavy duty applications that require Windows and, so far Windows 10 is spyware free.  Correct me if I am wrong about that.  My original plan was to move over to Linux once I find replacement programs.  Maybe that is what I will still do.

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Charlie, LoneWolf, Will Fastie

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As long as you are on the Pro sku the Copilot items can be disabled.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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rc primak, John18, LoneWolf

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How to disable Copilot on Windows 11
by Mauro Huc – September 14, 2023
“On Windows 11 23H2 (2023 Update), you can disable the “Windows Copilot” completely, and in this guide, you will learn how.”
https://pureinfotech.com/disable-copilot-windows-11/

I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.

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rc primak, Cybertooth, John18, oldfry, fernlady

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Susan Bradley wrote:

As long as you are on the Pro sku the Copilot items can be disabled.

Disable ? What about uninstalling or better still skip installing ?
Copilot update should be a separate KB to be ignored.

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John18, Will Fastie

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That ship has long sailed.

I have posted up group policy and registry keys to block copilot on the Master patch list page.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Alex5723 wrote:

Copilot update should be a separate KB to be ignored.

Ain’t gonna happen. It might be possible in early days, but it’s not going to be optional long term.

We’re looking at a generational paradigm shift here.

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rc primak, John18, oldfry, Alex5723

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WStnesler wrote:

My original plan was to move over to Linux once I find replacement programs

I don’t think Linux will be a safe haven. The only way to avoid these AI initiatives (coming from more than just Microsoft) is to cut the wire to the Web. That’s impractical these days.

I’m not saying we need to embrace these things. I think we need to confront them. The generation that follows us will know nothing different.

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rc primak, Cybertooth, John18, WSbobby-p, Charlie

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I’m relatively new to the Linux world having switched to Linux Mint on my personal systems 9 months ago. But from what I have seen and learned so far, I would be very surprised that the FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) community would integrate any kind of AI into a Linux distro. There would most likely be a massive uproar and backlash against it.

With that said though, lets say that perhaps Ubuntu may attempt it. But that does not mean distros that use it as their base such as Linux Mint would accept it. Instead they would most likely strip it out like they do with various other things (ex. Snap package system, any kind of telemetry, etc.) or they could switch to LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition), their distro based on Debian in the event something were to happen to Ubuntu or it becomes too burdensome to continue to strip out unwanted things from the Ubuntu base.

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rc primak

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…I would be very surprised that the FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) community would integrate any kind of AI into a Linux distro.

It’s already happened.

New MakuluLinux Release Brings AI to the Max 

Why Is Linux Popular for Machine Learning? Top Distributions To Use 

Full integration of AI into Linux is so far optional. You can choose to participate in the experiment or not. You can add in the AI components later if you don’t want or need them now. It’s all about choice, with an emphasis on opting in, not jumping through onerous hoops to opt out if that is your choice.

Very different from for-profit companies, whose investments in AI engines and platforms must result in realized returns on their investments.

The Linux approach to integrated AI does not bother me; the Big Tech approach of foisting this stuff into the OS whether users ask for it and want it or not, is not for me.

-- rc primak

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Cybertooth, oldfry

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Will Fastie wrote:

I don’t think Linux will be a safe haven. The only way to avoid these AI initiatives (coming from more than just Microsoft) is to cut the wire to the Web. That’s impractical these days.

Microsoft’s “wire to the Web” is Edge.  I’ve cut that wire on my end.  The “Copilot (preview)” is helpless without Edge., so far.  I’ll wait to see what Microsoft does to get around that issue.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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rc primak, Cybertooth

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The “Copilot (preview)” is helpless without Edge., so far.

More specifically, Copilot requires an Internet Connection and access to Bing AI Search.

I prefer to do most of my work offline.

-- rc primak

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John18

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Personally I have the Internet connection but not the Bing search engine,  I use Chrome and Firefox 99.999% of the time unless I get forced to Edge and I get out ASAP.

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rc primak wrote:

More specifically, Copilot requires an Internet Connection and access to Bing AI Search.

I have an almost-always-on internet connection.  “Copilot (preview)” is a ‘microsoft-edge’-specific link.  Edge is completely uninstalled from my Windows 11 Pro, and “Copilot (preview) doesn’t use my Firefox browser.  It cannot connect as currently coded.

Which is to say that at this point in time, AI doesn’t intrude into my digital world from my end.

 

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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rc primak, krism

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The fast way around Microsoft is to have Win 11 Pro or Enterprise instead of Home.  But I agree with you about the larger picture.  For that we need to get legislation, even if it is at the state level or perhaps the EU steps in.

As for Google, I can go to another browser and search engine, including going as far as Tor.

If enough heat is put on Microsoft I would think that they have a way to go back to 23H1.

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Given the mad rush by everyone to add in AI (because COMPETITION!) is this going to be a case of the traditional “Microsoft software isn’t good until version 3”? With Copilot baked into the entire operating system until they work out problems that are only hinted at so far?

Win 7 Pro, 64-Bit, Group B ESU,Ivy Bridge i3-3110M, 2.4GHz, 4GB, XP Mode VM, WordPerfect

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Ricard wrote:

is this going to be a case of the traditional “Microsoft software isn’t good until version 3”?

It doesn’t matter. Microsoft is going to do this come hell or high water, and we’re just along for the ride.

Frankly, we ignore this at our own peril, even if it is version 1.327.

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rc primak, John18, oldfry

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My concern again is the short shrift that Microsoft and others give to compliance-based industries with security concerns. Banking/financial, government, and more. I have no problem with innovation –I do with a “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” approach that takes a back-seat approach to security and prevention from data leaks through exploits of new technologies.

I’m not saying Microsoft is doing no thinking when it comes to security -but I certainly believe it’s not the first and foremost priority, and that like many vendors, making money quickly has become the priority over common-sense approaches. Suddenly, I have a real urge to move my home platforms back to Windows 10 to buy time until more of the pitfalls are better known. I have serious concerns with the ethical challenges involved, and what Microsoft might do to monetize me, given how slow government moves to regulate new digital frontiers and worse yet (in the US at any rate), privacy that isn’t nearly as important as campaign contributions.

We are SysAdmins.
We walk in the wiring closets no others will enter.
We stand on the bridge, and no malware may pass.
We engage in support, we do not retreat.
We live for the LAN.
We die for the LAN.

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oldfry

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I’ll simplify rc primak’s post from my viewpoint.

I want nothing to do with AI.  Full Stop.

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rc primak, Cybertooth

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I want nothing to do with AI. Full Stop.

That is not what I posted. I significantly qualified my general rejection of using AI everywhere.

I accept AI elements which simplify image editing and conversions. I could imagine myself using AI to improve or clean up my writing in a formal presentation. I also see other spot-use cases for which I have no objections to using AI. Even in Search, I can imagine doing some work with the AI chatbots, then following up with a round of fact-checking using more traditional methods.

I have no issue with others having a more extreme view. But please do not attribute to my user name when posting things which do not fully align with what I post. We do not share an identical point of view.

-- rc primak

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I don’t mind running a neural network on my graphics card and using models trained on targeted data sets to generate AI images – even though it sometimes “hallucinates” and creates garbage. That garbage can be culled. Same with LLMs of any kind.

But I certainly have grave reservations if the foundational workings of my OS contains AI that might “hallucinate” and create garbage – even once. Or that it might “train itself” on my behaviors and use that to market to me, create an “echo chamber” of what it thinks I want to hear and see, or otherwise influence me or reduce my cognitive agency.

Wherever possible, I prefer tools to be tools rather than mechanisms of agency. MS hasn’t been respectful of that in the past, so my skepticism remains.

Win10 Pro x64 22H2, Win10 Home 22H2, Linux Mint + a cat with 'tortitude'.

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Cybertooth, oldfry

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I will be giving my wife this current computer in the next few weeks.  It is on Windows 10 Pro and will stay on Windows Pro.

The bad news is that my new computer, which is being built within the next two weeks, will come with Windows 11 Pro.  I will be very interested in making the changes to 11 Pro as soon as the computer arrives.

I want no part of AI.

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John,

I’m curious, who’s building your new PC? Also, when you get it please keep us apprised of your experiences with it. Inquiring minds want to know! HA HA

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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It’s from Digital Storm.  I was trying to post the configuration but it doesn’t seem to be working.

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There we go.

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John18 wrote:

It’s from Digital Storm.  I was trying to post the configuration but it doesn’t seem to be working.

Chassis Model: Digital Storm Lumos (Corsair Crystal Series 570X RGB ATX Mid-Tower Tempered Glass Case

Processor: Intel Core i7-13700KF (5.4 GHz Turbo) (24-Thread) (16-Core) 3.4 GHz (Raptor Lake)

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero (Wi-Fi) (Z790) (Up to 3x PCI-E) (No SLI) (DDR5)

System Memory: 64GB DDR5 6000MHz Kingston FURY Beast RGB

Power Supply: 1000W Digital Storm Performance Series (Semi-Modular) (80 Plus Gold)

Storage Set 1: 1x SSD M.2 (2TB Samsung 980 PRO) (NVM Express)

Storage Set 2: 1x SSD M.2 (2TB Samsung 980 PRO) (NVM Express)

Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)

Graphics Card(s): 1x GeForce RTX 4080 16GB (VR Ready)

Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio

Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black (Extreme Performance)

Cable Management: Exotic Cable Management – White – (Cable Combs with Custom Color Sleeved Extension Cables)

Software Control: Corsair Commander PRO Management Control Board & Software (1x Board)

Chassis Fans: Corsair LL Series (RGB Fans) (Software Controlled Effects)

CPU Boost: Turbo Boost Technology

OS Boost: – No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Professional (64-Bit)

Recovery Tools: USB Drive – Windows Installation (Format and Clean Install)

Virus Protection: Windows Defender Antivirus (Built-in to Windows)

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Cybertooth, RetiredGeek

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John18 wrote:

I will be very interested in making the changes to 11 Pro as soon as the computer arrives.

You can still download and clean install Windows 10 Pro.

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But Windows 10 is on its last year of support.

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Win10 is good till Oct. 2025 – two years more

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Thanks.  I thought that it was only one more year.

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Will Fastie: “There will never be a dull moment in our ongoing effort to Tame Our Tech!”

Thanks Will for an excellent article. I did indeed view the 1 hr event and glad I did.

I think copilot will be built in to every layer, and also exist as a catch routine in between every layer. I understand now why win will continue to exist, very strongly, well beyond 12. I judge the discriminatory thinking capabilities of the people of the world (their ability to distinguish the purpose and intent of the ideas and situations that are presented to them) by watching, among many other things, politics. Not much there. What MS is writing will, like Hollywood movies, captivate a very high percentage. To the world’s detriment. But, hey, I’m just an observer…

I figure there will always be folks out there writing hacks that I can use to prevent any personal detriment. I use FF and TBIRD, etc etc etc.

Excellent article!

(passing thought – I do use WD. That may have to change it as it comes to include copilot… Who knows!!! We just have to stay alert! 🙂 )

- Thinkpad P15s Gen1 20T4-002KUS, i7-10510U, UEFI/GPT, 16GB, Sammy 500GB M.2.
others...
- Win 11 Pro 23H2 WU. HP laserjets M254dw & P1606dn, Epson 2480 scanner. External monitor Dell s3221QS for old games.

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Will Fastie

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RetiredGeek wrote:

John,

I’m curious, who’s building your new PC? Also, when you get it please keep us apprised of your experiences with it. Inquiring minds want to know! HA HA

If you like PC builds, allow me the (very small ego) to post my newest creation (I build about once every five years, but since my first computer job in 1995 was building PCs,  I tend to be picky about my desktops). I name most of my systems on Greek mythological characters beginning with “a”; this one is AGAMEMNON.

Lian Li O11 Air Mini case with vertical GPU mount kit

Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 1500

Intel Core i5-13600

Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2FX AIO cooler

Gigabyte Aorus Elite Z690

2x 16GB G.Skill Trident DDR5

EVGA nVidia RTX 3080Ti

2x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe SSD

1x Western Digital Black SN850x 4TB NVMe SSD

Be Quiet! LightWings Pro 140mm fan (x4)

two models of 120mm Noctua fans (4 fans, bottom intake and side exhaust)

3D printed replacement feet to raise the case height for proper intake cooling

We are SysAdmins.
We walk in the wiring closets no others will enter.
We stand on the bridge, and no malware may pass.
We engage in support, we do not retreat.
We live for the LAN.
We die for the LAN.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Cybertooth

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