"You need to be a hacker to use Windows": This free tool lets you rebuild Windows 11 without Copilot or any other AI

Key Points:

• Microsoft has integrated AI features like Copilot and Windows Recall into Windows 11, but these additions have sparked security and privacy concerns among users.
• NTLite, a Windows customization tool, now offers faster multi-threaded extraction and the ability to remove AI tools from Windows 11 25H2 images, reducing installation size and allowing users to create a more basic OS experience.
• The tool supports editing Windows Image files before installation and live editing of existing installations, enabling users to remove unwanted AI features without reinstalling the OS.
• Despite Microsoft's ongoing AI integration efforts, including AI agents on the Taskbar and Xbox mode, user feedback has led to some rollbacks and improvements in Windows 11 usability, such as bringing back a movable Taskbar.
• Users are increasingly frustrated with Windows 11’s AI complexity, with some considering switching to Linux; NTLite offers a way to regain control, but caution is advised to avoid removing critical components that could render the system unbootable.