How do I disable the "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Host [etc]" feature?

Anonymous
2023-02-09T16:34:50+00:00

We have started getting complaints from our customers over this "feature" as it appears to be quite the resource hog, and of course they are blaming our add-ins.

Killing the ai.exe process appears to have no ill effect on the usability of Office programs such as Word, Outlook or Excel.

So I need to know how we can disable it. I'd prefer to give an instruction to our users on how they can switch off a feature they do not want, they feel they do not need, and that causes their old PCs to start sounding like a Harrier Jet taking off.

Thank you

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | Other | Other

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer recommended by moderator
Anonymous
2024-02-07T21:10:13+00:00

This seems to work. There are all sorts of solutions put out there that involve things like editing the Registry. Here's a much easier fix that seems to have worked for me (and this is from The Geek Page https://thegeekpage.com/how-to-disable-the-artificial-intelligence-ai-host-feature/).

First, the obvious: delete the AI executables from the OFFICE folder:
ai.exe

ai.exe
aitrx.dll

Second - this is incredibly easy. Deleting the executables does not completely work because Office automatically updates itself with new copies of those files.

Since the AI Host runs when you use an Office app:
Disable the Office app updates.

To do this, open any Office application, like Word.

– Click the “File” menu and then the “Account” menu item - this may be under the "More..." menu item, in which case click "More..." and then click "Account"

– There, click on “Update Options”, which brings up a popup menu - on the popup menu, set that to “Disable Updates” to disable Office updates for all Office apps

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

240 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-02-10T10:56:46+00:00

    Hello Chandy,

    I understand that deleting the .exe will "obviously" disable it but you need to appreciate that we are dealing with end users. Asking them to do something that to you and I would be a very simple thing to do would be too much to ask of them. Also consider that we have to support many users, some of which are on equipment that doesn't always meet the sort of minimum standards that we would expect from equipment these days.

    So I can instruct our Support team to delete the .exe but as you already point out there is no guarantee that it will not resurface after an update. That is not acceptable in the long run. We need to have an option in Microsoft Office products where we can turn the feature off.

    Was this answer helpful?

    400+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-04T04:08:52+00:00

    I agree with everyone here. Microsoft, please please please listen to your users. We don't want this AI ****. Especially not now when it is pre-beta. Probably never.

    Make it OPT-IN!

    This is so absurd. I have been struggling with a Word doc - a large Word doc - one that worked just fine for years. Now, argh.

    Just stop it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-02-21T09:39:20+00:00

    In regards to the OFFICE16 ai.exe file. Is it possible this is tied to the Bing search feature that was included in the last update? Because now when I pull up Start the search feature that is fixed in the menu is now tied to Bing. Also, when you click into that search box to search for an app a news feed is now displayed on the right and all the apps are on the left. Same thing for anywhere that search box is listed.

    It would be nice if we could remove that search box from the start menu altogether. I don't use Bing search. I don't want to use it. I now have to go out and update more setting in Bing, separate from all the other settings. Please give us an option to turn this off if we can't delete it.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-06T00:32:59+00:00

    Think what you like about my opinion on this new 'surprise'. Have been in IT since early 80's... seen it all with M.S. Personally have been wondering whats up with my Outlook lately... and today a customers as well... quirky.. then... BINGO! There it is. So this should be an option as another person mentioned here... there should be a way to DISABLE or REMOVE it if not desired...

    So... here's the fun part... too much B.S. with social media today and the big tech... I DO NOT want some AI nonsense running on my computer I DID NOT request or install... but SNUCK on to my computer... I do NOT want these BOZOS watching every move and thing I do - recording all I do and where I go... kind of defeats all the VPN hype eh??? Besides, knowing M.S., its probably another promise of new and wonderful ways to F with your computer's perfomance, lots of bugs, pop-ups, ads and cussing ahead!!!

    Lose it - or make it an option - or tell us how to remove it.

    “When industries lack competition, businesses get belligerent. Competition helps keep businesses humble.”

    Was this answer helpful?

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments