To limit Copilot’s file search and reading in Windows, open the Copilot app and go to Account > Settings > File Search and File Read. Turn off the relevant setting. This is separate from Windows Search indexing, the optional PC insights permission, and access to work file shares.
Change Copilot’s file search and reading setting
- Open the Copilot app.
- Go to Account > Settings > File Search and File Read.
- Turn off the setting for the access you want to limit. Microsoft documents these controls as toggles but does not specify their exact current on-screen labels. See Microsoft’s Copilot for Windows guide for the feature details.
Microsoft says Copilot file search can find and open supported files on the device and answer questions about them. That can include files synced from OneDrive to the device. The guide lists .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json as readable formats.
Understand what the different file-related controls do
These controls have different scopes; changing one does not automatically change the others.
| Control | What it covers | How access is controlled |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot File Search and File Read | Supported local files and OneDrive files synced to the device | Copilot app setting at Account > Settings > File Search and File Read |
| Windows Search indexing | Locations and file types indexed by Windows Search | Windows indexing options; this is not a switch for every Copilot permission |
| PC insights | Information relevant to a particular question about the PC | Per-request consent, with an option to remember similar requests, managed in Copilot privacy settings |
| Organizational file-share connector | On-premises work file shares made available through a Microsoft 365 Copilot connector | Administrator-configured share or NTFS ACL search permissions |
Keep Windows Search indexing separate
If your goal is to stop Windows Search from indexing a folder or file type, use Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows > Advanced indexing options. Windows lets you exclude locations and file types from its index. This configures Windows Search; Microsoft does not describe it as a replacement for the Copilot app’s File Search and File Read controls. On Copilot+ PCs, semantic indexing is enabled by default, and Microsoft says semantic-indexing data is stored locally. See Microsoft’s Windows Search indexing guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Manage PC insights permission separately
PC insights is a separate, experimental feature that requests permission before accessing information relevant to a question. At its prompt, you can choose Allow for this session, Always allow for similar requests, or Not now. You can change ongoing permission to ask each time or revoke it in Copilot privacy settings. Microsoft says this feature is rolling out gradually, so availability may vary. Its statement that “Copilot only accesses information after you give permission” applies to PC insights, not every Copilot feature. Details are in Microsoft’s PC insights guide.
Hide a recent file Copilot displays
Copilot may show recent files by referencing Windows Recent Items. Microsoft says this display does not mean Copilot scans the PC or uploads files automatically. To remove a displayed item, right-click it and choose Hide. Hiding a recent item is different from adjusting whether Copilot can search for or read a file. See Microsoft’s Copilot for Windows FAQ.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
For work file shares, check with your administrator
If you mean an organization’s on-premises file share, its access path is different from ordinary personal files in the Windows Copilot app. Microsoft 365 Copilot can use a separately configured File Share connector, with search permissions based on share ACLs or NTFS ACLs. The Copilot app toggle described above should not be assumed to control that organizational setup. See Microsoft’s File Share connector documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What “access” means in practice
Microsoft’s Windows FAQ says Copilot does not scan the PC or upload files automatically. Its feature guide also describes explicit file search that can find, open, and answer questions about supported files. Those statements describe different behaviors: automatic background scanning is not described as happening, while file search is a user-facing capability whose setting can be adjusted in the app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
