Microsoft introduced massive system updates in the Windows 11 25H2 release. Consequently, millions of users now host local neural network packages on their primary system drives. Specifically, features like Windows Recall and background copilots require local small language models (SLMs). As a result, these pre-installed files consume significant drive capacity without explicit user permission. If you want to uninstall AI models in Windows 11 25H2, this comprehensive guide provides exact technical instructions.
Furthermore, these background packages constantly occupy background storage and update bandwidth. Therefore, purging unwanted files helps you reclaim disk space Windows 11 25H2 systems desperately need for daily performance. In this complete article, we will examine where Microsoft buries these models. Additionally, we will execute safe command-line scripts to delete every footprint permanently.
Understanding Pre-Loaded AI Models in Windows 11 25H2
Microsoft deeply integrated local artificial intelligence into the core system image of version 25H2. Consequently, Windows no longer relies purely on cloud processing for intelligence features. Instead, the OS downloads offline model weights directly to your system drive during installation.
What Local Models Exist in Version 25H2?
First, Microsoft includes the Phi-Silica language model for localized text processing. Second, Windows installs custom vision processing models for features like automatic background blur and eye contact adjustment. Third, system updates bundle real-time optical character recognition (OCR) models for screen indexing.
- Phi-Silica SLM: Takes approximately 4GB to 5GB of system storage.
- Windows Recall Engine: Uses 5GB to 10GB for local vector database indexes and offline vision processing.
- Studio Effects Vision Models: Consumes around 1.5GB of dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) runtime assets.
- Live Captions Language Packs: Requires 1GB to 3GB depending on installed regional language settings.
Consequently, these combined assets can consume over 15GB of solid-state drive space. Furthermore, smaller solid-state drives suffer performance penalties when storage headroom drops below fifteen percent. Therefore, removing unused system weight represents an immediate performance victory for power users. You can inspect official system requirements on the Microsoft Support Website to verify baseline system footprints.
⚠️ Warning: Purging local system AI models will disable native OS features like Windows Recall, local Live Captions, and offline Windows Studio Effects. However, cloud-based Copilot functions will continue to operate normally through your internet connection.
Step 1: Auditing Your Current Storage Footprint
Before removing any system components, you must audit your current storage usage accurately. Specifically, Windows hides these heavy model files inside system-protected system folders. Therefore, standard file explorer searches will not display the full disk usage.
Locating the Hidden Packages
First, open your Start menu and launch Windows Settings. Next, navigate directly to System > Storage. Then, click on Installed apps and filter by drive volume.
However, many neural packages reside inside the system staging directory. Specifically, inspect the following protected folder locations using administrator privileges:
C:\Windows\System32\0409\(Localized language asset packages)C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\(Vector database stores)C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\(System application dependencies)
To inspect these folders cleanly, you can utilize system monitoring tools available via Microsoft Sysinternals Suite. Consequently, seeing actual folder sizes confirms how much space you stand to regain.
Step 2: Disable Windows Recall Feature Dependencies
Windows Recall represents the largest single consumer of local AI storage space. Therefore, removing this engine yields immediate storage recovery. Fortunately, Microsoft allows users to disable Windows Recall feature packages using optional feature switches.
Removing Recall via System Settings
First, click the Start button and type Optional Features. Second, launch the Optional Features control panel page. Next, scroll down until you locate the Windows Recall entry.
Afterward, uncheck the selection box next to the Recall service. Then, click Apply and confirm the prompt. Finally, restart your computer to execute the initial removal stage.
PowerShell
# Run PowerShell as Administrator to remove Recall optional package
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Recall" -RemoveConsequently, the command above forces Windows to unstage the local Recall binaries. Furthermore, executing this command prevents Windows Update from automatically reinstalling the engine during minor hotfixes.
💡 Pro-Tip: Always create a system restore point before running command-line package removals. If you ever purchase an NPU accessory or require offline transcription later, you can restore system states easily.
Step 3: Delete Phi-Silica Model Windows 11 System Files
The Phi-Silica small language model powers native text generation without internet access. However, most desktop users rely on cloud tools instead. Therefore, learning how to delete Phi-Silica model Windows 11 files provides major storage benefits.
Executing DISM Removal Commands
To purge system-level packages cleanly, you must run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools. Specifically, DISM bypasses standard file lock constraints safely.
First, right-click the Start menu icon. Next, select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) from the popup menu. Consequently, elevated privileges allow complete access to component stores.
DOS
:: List all installed AI packages in the Windows component store
dism /online /get-packages | findstr /i "AI-Model"
:: Remove the main Phi-Silica language model package
dism /online /remove-package /packagename:Microsoft-Windows-Phi-Silica-Core-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1
Transitioning through these steps removes the localized weights entirely. Furthermore, using official DISM commands remove AI packages safely without breaking fundamental operating system stability. For additional DISM syntax guidance, consult the official documentation on Microsoft Learn.
Step 4: Remove Windows Copilot Local Models and Dependencies
While cloud Copilot uses web servers, Windows 11 25H2 includes offline fallback scripts. Consequently, these offline scripts keep persistent local cache stores on your main system drive. Therefore, you must target these system applications to remove Windows Copilot local models effectively.
Step-by-Step App Package Purge
First, open your elevated PowerShell console. Second, execute the package discovery command listed below.
PowerShell
# Discover all local Copilot AppX packages across all users
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Copilot* | Select-Object Name, PackageFullNameNext, execute the removal script to clear the background app packages from every user profile.
PowerShell
# Purge local Copilot app provisioning completely
Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$_.DisplayName -like "*Copilot*"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online
# Remove existing installed app instances
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Copilot* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsersConsequently, this two-step script deletes both active app instances and background installation files. Therefore, future user profiles created on the machine will not inherit the local AI bloatware.
Step 5: Clean Up System Component Stores and Component Cache
Even after removing packages, Windows retains backup copies inside the WinSxS directory. As a result, your drive space might not increase immediately. Therefore, you must perform deep component cleanup operations to purge orphaned binaries.
Running Deep DISM Component Cleanup
First, keep your administrator command prompt open. Next, type the following cleanup command precisely:
DOS
dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup /resetbaseConsequently, the /resetbase switch deletes superseded versions of system components permanently. Furthermore, this action prevents Windows from keeping backup copies of deleted AI models. You can learn more about PowerShell execution scripts on the open-source community repository at GitHub Windows Terminal.
Cleaning Local Temporary Cache Folders
Additionally, local AI models leave behind temporary model execution logs. Therefore, manually clearing these directories reclaims additional space.
- Press
Win + Rto open the Run dialog box. - Type
%temp%and press Enter. - Select all files using
Ctrl + Aand delete them permanently. - Repeat the process for
C:\Windows\Temp.
Consequently, clearing temporary stores removes residual vector database fragments instantly.
1. Audit Model Footprint:Identify exact disk usage before removal.
Launch PowerShell as Administrator and execute DISM query commands to identify installed AI model packages and storage sizes.
2. Disable Optional Features:Unstage OS-level dependencies.
Turn off Windows Recall and related offline vision components through the Windows Optional Features control panel interface.
3. Execute DISM & PowerShell Purge:Remove local packages safely.
Run target DISM package removal commands alongside AppX provisioning scripts to delete local model weights.
4. Reset Component Base:Reclaim physical drive space.
Run DISM with the /resetbase flag to delete backup binaries and permanently free up solid-state drive capacity.
Step 6: Prevent Automatic Reinstallation of AI Models
Windows Update frequently reinstalls removed components during annual quality updates. Therefore, you must configure group policy settings to block unwanted model downloads.
Configuring Group Policy Settings
First, press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Consequently, the Local Group Policy Editor window will launch.
Next, navigate to the following policy folder path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot
Then, double-click Turn off Windows Copilot. Select Enabled, click Apply, and click OK.
Finally, navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI
Select Disable Local Machine Learning Models and set the policy status to Enabled.
Code snippet
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
; Block automatic downloading of local Windows AI models
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI]
"DisableLocalModels"=dword:00000001
Consequently, this policy configuration prevents background update services from restoring Phi-Silica without consent. If you run Windows 11 Home Edition, you can import the registry key above or manage advanced scripts via PowerShell Gallery.
Summary of Storage Savings
To summarize the potential gains, review the storage recovery breakdown below:
| Feature / Model Component | Default Storage Footprint | Post-Purge Storage | Space Reclaimed |
| Phi-Silica SLM | 4.5 GB | 0 MB | ~4.5 GB |
| Windows Recall Index & Models | 8.0 GB | 0 MB | ~8.0 GB |
| Windows Studio Effects Models | 1.5 GB | 0 MB | ~1.5 GB |
| Live Captions Language Models | 1.0 GB | 0 MB | ~1.0 GB |
| Total Reclaimed Space | 15.0 GB | 0 MB | ~15.0 GB |
Consequently, performing this optimization restores substantial drive capacity on modern PCs. Furthermore, systems operating on smaller drives experience noticeable improvements in file copying speed and free headroom.
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
Microsoft continues to push local artificial intelligence as the primary focus of modern operating systems. However, desktop users and gaming enthusiasts often prefer raw storage space over unused offline features. Consequently, learning how to remove Windows 11 AI bloatware provides complete control back to system owners.
By running the DISM commands and group policy tweaks outlined above, you safely remove gigabytes of unneeded files. Furthermore, disabling automatic downloading prevents Windows Update from reversing your custom optimizations. As a result, your system remains lean, fast, and optimized for your specific daily workflow needs.
Did this guide help you free up valuable space on your solid-state drive? Leave a comment below detailing how much storage space you reclaimed! Share this article with fellow tech enthusiasts, and subscribe to our newsletter for more deep-dive Windows 11 tutorials!