Microsoft to force install the Microsoft 365 Copilot app in October

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Forced Copilot rollout & opt‑out mechanics

  • Copilot 365 app will auto-install for many Windows users, but only if Microsoft 365 apps are present and not in the EEA.
  • Opt-out exists via Group Policy (“Turn off Windows Copilot”), but it’s buried and sometimes under different hives (Computer vs User Configuration).
  • Many argue “you can opt out” doesn’t change the fact that this is an unwanted, default opt‑in push from the OS vendor, likened to past antitrust behavior.
  • Some report features like Copilot or bundled apps returning after major feature updates or reboots.

User control, privacy, and regulation

  • Strong sentiment that this exemplifies an “adversarial relationship” with one’s own computer.
  • Comparisons to OneDrive’s aggressive re‑enabling and upsell flows; people feel constantly tricked into cloud adoption.
  • Non‑EU users express envy of EEA protections that block some forced features; others push back noting the broader economic and tax tradeoffs in Europe.

Perception of AI/LLM value

  • Many see the forced install as evidence of poor organic uptake and a need to inflate “AI engagement” metrics.
  • Multiple anecdotes of Copilot/Gemini integrations being buggy, slow, or hallucinatory, especially inside Office/Sheets.
  • Contrast with GitHub/VS Copilot, which some users (including one Microsoft employee) say is genuinely useful, vs. M365 Copilot described as “terrible” and often claiming edits it didn’t make.
  • Broader skepticism that LLMs solve problems on the scale of smartphones or cloud; AI is compared to past hype waves like web3/VR.

Windows 11 experience & “enshittification”

  • Widespread frustration that Windows is now an ad/upsell platform: lock-screen “news”, Edge/Copilot/Store push, Copilot key on keyboards.
  • Complaints about UX regressions (e.g., drag-to-taskbar behavior removed, inconsistent control panels, Notepad keystrokes dropping after Copilot integration).
  • Some refuse to upgrade from Windows 10 or disable updates entirely, despite security concerns, to avoid bloat and unwanted features.

Linux/macOS as alternatives

  • Many report moving themselves or family to Linux (Debian, Fedora, Zorin, Mint, Bazzite, etc.) and finding it “good enough” for everyday users, especially when gaming is via Steam/Proton.
  • Caveats: AAA multiplayer with kernel anti‑cheat, specialized Windows-only apps (CAD/CAM, Ableton, some Office workflows) still block full migration for some.
  • macOS is seen as a more polished alternative where basic workflows (e.g., drag file to dock icon) still work and system apps feel cohesive.

Enterprise incentives & internal dynamics

  • Several speculate (including a former employee) that bonuses and career advancement are tied to Copilot seat counts, creating strong pressure to bundle and force exposure.
  • Belief that Windows has been repositioned as a delivery vehicle for cloud, subscriptions, and AI upsells rather than a user-centric OS.

Security, updates, and workarounds

  • Tension between disabling updates to avoid regressions and the risk of unpatched RCEs; some argue vendors’ behavior is what pushes people to turn off updates.
  • Various tools/scripts (Group Policy, debloaters, Tiny11, winutil) are shared, but many are tired of the perpetual cat‑and‑mouse to keep unwanted components off their systems.