A.I. News Mozilla slams Microsoft's attempts to force Copilot on customers

Parkinsond

Parkinsond

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https://www.neowin.net/news/mozilla-slams-microsofts-attempts-to-force-copilot-on-customers/
In a blog post spotted by Windows Central, Mozilla has talked about how, in the past months and years, Microsoft has tried to limit user choice when it came to Copilot and AI integrations in Windows experiences. This includes the forced Microsoft 365 Copilot app rollout (now paused), adding a dedicated Copilot key to Copilot+ PCs, and plans to fit the AI assistant in your notifications too.

However, thanks to user backlash, Microsoft is backpedaling on many of these strategies, but Mozilla says that this just proves that the firm had made "repeated choices" to serve its business rather than prioritizing customers. It pointed to the findings of an independent research study commissioned by Mozilla that confirmed that Microsoft uses dark patterns and shady distribution tactics to eliminate user choice in subtle ways. Some examples that have been highlighted are:
  • The Windows Search bar, embedded in the taskbar on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, is hardcoded to only open Microsoft Edge, regardless of your default browser.
  • Windows has not implemented a true device migration system, like we see with Android, iOS, and MacOS, where your apps, settings and data are all reflected on your new device when you buy a new computer. Instead, the defaults are changed back to Microsoft’s own products.
  • Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams by default ignore your default browser selection and open links directly in Edge.
  • Windows does not offer a simple prompt that other browsers can trigger asking to become your default browser. Instead, other browsers have to direct you to Windows settings and hope you finish the multi-step process.
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I don't use copilot & I don't think its very good either & on the last MS update somewhere on this site from Microsoft indicated they may be removing it from notepad & it being less intrusive, myself its not 'enabled' in Edge though its still there I assume, copilot does not exist on my taskbar either, or the search bar for that matter 😄😄😄
 
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Sorrento said:
I don't use copilot & I don't think its very good either & on the last MS update somewhere on this site from Microsoft indicated they may be removing it from notepad & it being less intrusive, myself its not 'enabled' in Edge though its still there I assume, copilot does not exist on my taskbar either, or the search bar for that matter 😄😄😄
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I have no Copilot in LTSC, but isn't it uninstallable in GAC Windows?
 
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  • Windows has not implemented a true device migration system, like we see with Android, iOS, and MacOS, where your apps, settings and data are all reflected on your new device when you buy a new computer. Instead, the defaults are changed back to Microsoft’s own products.
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Indeed, I use MSA, OneDrive, Windows Backup and it does not even remember dark theme setting. I have to install MS Store apps manually, like paid HEVC or Netflix.

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Parkinsond said:
I have no Copilot in LTSC, but isn't it uninstallable in GAC Windows?
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Based on it's version, I believe it is part of Edge's update routine. I always uninstall it after updates and it always comes back, like yesterday (No windows updates.)

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Sorrento said:
It seems if you use Edge, & look in Program Files(x86) / Microsoft / Edge & associated folders you will see I think copilot is alive & wel in more than one placel, & enjoying life, copilot on this PC is not there in Windows but is in Edge

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I have Edge and webview2 uninstalled; they have the most leftover in registry, while Chrome and Yandex are the least.
 
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In O&O ShutUp you can kill copilot in Windows which helps, but it still is there elsewhere, if MS want something on your system there isn't much you can do about it, resistance is futile, I've removed WebView etc in the past unfortunately MS will continue to add them back & a fair few programs use WebView to operate now, there will always be in the registry items pertaining to WebView, or at least that is what I have found?? I may be wrong but I don't think I am ?? Happy to be corrected

Edit: Just searched using 'Everything' in C:\ with copilot disabled there are 661 folders/files answering to copilot & over 100 registry entries by doing a reg search grrrr :mad:


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Sorrento said:
@Parkinsond - Its a cruel world, & the Linux aficionado's may comment on this as maybe its not an issue, but these days its hard to escape AI as its almost everywhere so, I no longer overly worry & have a coffee, which is life's saving grace of all :):):)
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It's not just AI; I need the ability to uninstall every single component I do not need.
 
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