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
    2023-03-15T02:15:17+00:00

    Beyond frustrated. Surprised that Microsoft's own people aren't screaming about memory hog issues.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-26T23:31:08+00:00

    I want AI REMOVED

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-23T23:58:04+00:00

    I 150% agree with you. I am only one of the many who feel Microsoft abuses their power without letting you know what they are going to do "TO YOU". Without any way to stop it or have control over what they do. They just did it again with their resent updates regarding my Microsoft accounts with the NEW ALL ACCOUNTS SO CALLED FEATURE. If I could easily change to an Apple device I would but I believe they all take advantage of their users just like the other social media firms. Very Very Sad.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-09T17:07:13+00:00

    Not that I would but the rage is real

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