Microsoft Quietly Removes Copilot Branding From Windows 11 Apps While Defending AI Utility

Microsoft began removing Copilot branding and icons from key Windows 11 applications including Notepad and Snipping Tool in the latest Insider build, replacing the Copilot menu with 'writing tools' while the underlying AI functionality remains unchanged. The move follows controversy after an internal Microsoft document suggested users should not trust AI for certain tasks, prompting Microsoft to publicly deny that Copilot is intended only for entertainment. The company also restructured its Copilot strategy to blend outputs from multiple AI models rather than relying on a single provider, with OpenAI committing to purchase an additional $250 billion in Azure services.