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
    2023-03-25T19:55:34+00:00

    I actually don't mind Microsoft adding new features. I don't even mind them enabling them by default. What I DO mind is them doing so and then NOT giving users the option to switch them off.

    I agree 100%. Microsoft, please LISTEN to your customers!

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-24T10:29:34+00:00

    I actually don't mind Microsoft adding new features. I don't even mind them enabling them by default. What I DO mind is them doing so and then NOT giving users the option to switch them off. I we did that in OUR software we would have people screaming at us on the phone.

    But I guess, when you're Microsoft you can afford to flip the bird to people who don't like what you do.

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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
    2023-03-23T23:05:16+00:00

    I hope you get the response from them you are looking for. Somehow, I think the only way to get their attention is some form of legal action. This adding of a feature that is called "artificial intelligence", be it truly a form of AI or just an exaggeration... to me is a very invasive move and entirely undesired in my realm. Its very name suggests something controlling, monitoring... I believe maybe a class-action lawsuit might be in order here IF they do not remove it or make it optional on the approval of each user or admin for users...

    I do not want or require ANYONES AI running on my computers... PERIOD. I have no use for it - I do not see it as any BENEFIT... its more **** from the underthinkers at M.S. ... I do not want any independent process which I have no idea of what its doing entirely - on my computers.

    I really wish there was a way to just move to another platform easily... I deal with a number of businesses... thats where a change would be the most difficult.

    So... if the people at M.S. who apparently have run out of any good ideas will listen to you and others making this request... then GREAT I really appreciate it. But these people I feel have become too big in their own minds... and need to be taken down a few notches...

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