Managing the New Windows 11 AI Features in 2026
Windows 11 features deeper AI integrations. Here is how to configure, customize, or disable them to suit your preferences.
Deeper Integration in the Operating System
Windows 11 has integrated AI assistance directly into the desktop, search bar, and native apps like Paint, Photos, and Mail. These features are designed to help you search faster, edit photos automatically, and summarize long emails. However, they can also consume system resources and change how you interact with your computer.
Configure Your AI Settings
You have control over how these features behave. Open the Windows Settings app (Win + I), navigate to 'Privacy & Security', and review the 'Permissions' sections. Here, you can customize which applications have access to AI capabilities, disable automatic suggestions, and clear your search history to keep your desktop private.
Customise or Clean Up Your Taskbar
If you find the AI search indicators or assistant icons on your taskbar distracting, you can easily turn them off. Right-click an empty space on the taskbar, select 'Taskbar Settings', and toggle off the search highlights or specific app buttons. This declutters your screen space and keeps your desktop layout clean.
Managing System Resource Usage
AI tasks running in the background can sometimes cause performance lag, particularly on laptops or older desktops with limited RAM. If you notice your computer running hot or slowing down, open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see if these background processes are consuming high CPU or memory, and disable them if they aren't needed.
Get Your Windows System Running Perfectly
Configuring modern Windows features to run efficiently without compromising your privacy can be tricky. If you need help optimising Windows 11, turning off unwanted features, or speeding up your system, we are just a call away. PC Mobile Solutions offers free remote diagnostics to keep your system performing at its best.
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