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
    2023-02-10T11:29:39+00:00

    Trying to post your idea here:

    Word · Community (microsoft.com)

    However, based on my testing and enquiries, ai.exe may be integrated into other Office applications, which may not be what users want. But it is undeniable that this will become a trend.

    Best Regards.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-02-10T11:37:06+00:00

    Thanks Chandy, yes you're right - it also starts an instance when I launch Outlook or Excel. It's just a feature that some people may not want, especially if their equipment struggles to support it. I will go to the link you provided and suggest it there.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-02-10T11:49:36+00:00

    Hoping your ideas will be reviewed one day, If you have submitted this idea, try sharing the link with me and I will submit it for you and get more internal staff to vote for you.

    We value your feedback, click 'yes' or 'no' to help us improve your support experience.

    Have a great day.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-02-10T11:57:53+00:00

    Hi Chandy,

    I went to the forum you suggested and then I navigated around and found the Microsoft 365 forum which, from reading its description, covers all MS Office products, so I posted my request there:

    https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/79b3e7d6-38a9-ed11-a81b-000d3a0450e3

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