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

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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

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-17T10:50:33+00:00

    this is an absolute nightmare please provide an update to windows / office and take this off - I'm losing so much time while word keeps crashing it is not compatible and causes more issues and headaches. I am unable to delete following the instructions above and I cannot work like this

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-05-01T15:27:23+00:00

    It is very presumptuous to automatically enable AI on updates. This absolutely kills functionality on machines that rely heavily on processing power. AI should be an optional component, not a standard.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-04-12T20:24:31+00:00

    100% agree. This seems to be egregious unauthorized data privacy breach.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-04-07T02:46:58+00:00

    Thanks TMF 03. Didn't see that other file but will certainly look in both Prog folders as well... They sneak AI on during your MS Updates and Office Updates I have found...

    They are out of bounds and should be forced to change how they wish to offer this... should be a choice at best only.

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