Asus ROG Ally Update Gives Users Control: You Can Now Remove the ‘Gaming Copilot’ The Asus ROG Ally handheld just received a notable software update that puts choice back in players’ hands. As reported by PCWorld, Asus is rolling out changes that let owners disable or remove the system’s “Gaming Copilot” AI helper—addressing one of the most consistent pieces of feedback from handheld PC gamers who prefer a clean, distraction-free experience. Below, we break down what Gaming Copilot is, why Asus is making this move, how to turn it off, and what the change means for performance, privacy, and the broader Windows handheld ecosystem. What Is Gaming Copilot on the ROG Ally? Asus’ Gaming Copilot is an AI-assisted feature designed to surface helpful suggestions while you play, streamline common actions, and answer quick questions without leaving your game. On the ROG Ally, features like this typically live within Armoury Crate SE—the console-style hub that manages performance profiles, game libraries, controller mapping, and the Ally’s overlay. In practice, a gaming-centric AI assistant promises convenience: quick tips, contextual guidance, or system tweaks triggered with a tap. But handheld enthusiasts often prioritize low overhead, long battery life, and minimal pop-ups. That tension—convenience versus control—framed the initial reaction to Gaming Copilot among power users and purists. Why Asus Is Backing Off AI By Default Asus’ course correction reflects a broader sentiment in the PC community. While AI utilities are proliferating across Windows 11 devices, many gamers view always-on assistants as: - Potential drains on battery life - Background services that tax CPU/GPU resources - Privacy risks if data is transmitted for processing - UI clutter that interrupts immersion Handhelds like the ROG Ally, powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme chips, already juggle the demanding balance of heat, performance, and battery in a compact chassis. Unnecessary workloads—even light ones—can be magnified on a device where every watt matters. Listening to that feedback, Asus is giving Ally owners more explicit control over whether Gaming Copilot is present at all. What the New Update Changes According to PCWorld’s report, the latest ROG Ally software update adds options to disable or remove the Gaming Copilot component. The move signals that Asus is recalibrating its software priorities around user choice and transparency. While details may vary by region or build, the gist is simple: if you don’t want AI helpers in your gaming overlay, you no longer have to keep them. Equally important, this update underscores a more general shift in how OEMs are thinking about AI on Windows handhelds. Expect a new default posture that clearly separates “available” from “enabled,” and “enabled” from “installed.” For a device like the Ally that caters to enthusiasts, that’s the right call. How to Disable or Uninstall Gaming Copilot on ROG Ally The exact path may differ slightly depending on your firmware and Armoury Crate SE version, but the following approaches apply in most cases: - Through Armoury Crate SE: - Open Armoury Crate SE on your ROG Ally. - Go to Settings or the section that manages overlays and plug-ins. - Locate the Gaming Copilot module or AI assistant entry. - Toggle it off, disable it from auto-launching, or uninstall/remove the module if an option is provided. - Restart the Ally to ensure changes fully apply. - Through Windows 11 Apps: - Press the Armoury Crate button to open the Command Center and switch to Desktop Mode, or connect a keyboard/mouse. - Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. - Look for any entry labeled “Gaming Copilot,” “ROG Copilot,” or an equivalent Asus AI component. - If listed, select Uninstall. - Reboot to confirm the component is gone and the overlay no longer surfaces AI content. Tip: Keep your BIOS, AMD graphics drivers, Windows 11 patches, and Armoury Crate SE current. Asus often refines how modules are listed or managed, so following on-device prompts is recommended. If you don’t see the option yet, check for updates in Armoury Crate SE and the Microsoft Store. Performance, Battery, and Privacy Considerations - Performance: Disabling AI assistants can reduce background CPU usage and memory footprint. On a TDP-constrained handheld, even small wins can translate into steadier frame times, fewer thermal spikes, and quieter fans. - Battery life: Any feature that periodically polls services, runs inference, or maintains listeners can contribute to idle drain. Removing the assistant may extend play sessions by a modest but noticeable margin—especially in lighter indie titles or emulation scenarios. - Privacy: If the AI component relies on cloud processing, inputs or telemetry may be sent to external servers depending on your settings. Uninstalling or disabling the feature minimizes that surface area. If you keep it enabled, review privacy, data, and telemetry settings within Windows and Armoury Crate SE. How This Fits Into the Handheld PC Landscape The Windows handheld category is maturing fast. Devices like the ROG Ally compete with the Steam Deck (which runs SteamOS/Linux), Lenovo Legion Go, and offerings from AyaNeo and OneXPlayer. Each platform is experimenting with software layers that tame desktop complexity on a seven-inch screen. - Steam Deck: SteamOS is laser-focused on games and avoids most Windows overhead. There’s no system-level AI assistant; Valve emphasizes a clean, console-like UX. - Windows handhelds: Windows 11 brings flexibility and compatibility, but adds complexity. OEM overlays (Asus Armoury Crate SE, Lenovo Legion Space, MSI Center M) aim to simplify control schemes, performance modes, and launchers. The push-and-pull now is how much AI belongs in that mix. Asus’ move suggests OEMs recognize that while AI can be helpful, it shouldn’t be welded into the core experience. Optional, modular, and easy to remove is likely the winning formula—especially for enthusiast hardware. Tips to Optimize Your ROG Ally Without AI Helpers If you’ve removed Gaming Copilot and want to squeeze the most from your Ally: - Dial in performance profiles: - Use Turbo/Performance/Silent modes appropriately. Lock a mode per game in Armoury Crate SE for consistency. - Experiment with FPS caps and refresh rate (e.g., 45/60 fps at 60/120 Hz) to match your performance target to thermals and battery. - Update drivers and firmware: - Keep AMD graphics drivers and BIOS up to date. Asus frequently improves stability and power management with new builds. - Tune per-game settings: - Drop demanding options like ray tracing, ultra shadows, and high-resolution textures. - Use FSR/Radeon Super Resolution where available to upscale from a lower internal resolution. - Minimize background tasks: - Disable unnecessary startup apps and overlays (including third-party launchers) in Windows. - Turn off RGB and haptic features you don’t need to save a bit of power. - Storage and thermal care: - Leave 15–20% free space on your SSD for best sustained performance. - Keep vents clear and consider a stand for better airflow during docked play. What to Watch For Next From Asus and Microsoft - Smarter defaults: Expect OEMs to ship AI tools as opt-in modules rather than defaults, likely with first-run setup prompts that explain benefits and trade-offs. - On-device AI: As NPU-equipped handhelds eventually emerge, some AI features may move on-device, reducing latency and privacy concerns—while still keeping power draw in check. For now, the ROG Ally relies on CPU/GPU for any local AI inference. - Better overlays: Armoury Crate SE and competing layers will continue to evolve, prioritizing stability, quick access, and battery-first features. A tighter, modular design benefits everyone—gamers who want only the essentials and tinkerers who prefer total control. Featured Image Suggestion - Use an official Asus ROG Ally product shot showing the handheld’s front with Armoury Crate SE visible. - Source: Asus ROG Ally product page – https://rog.asus.com/handhelds/rog-ally-2023/ - Note: Confirm image usage rights with Asus’ media guidelines or press resources before publication. FAQs Q1: How do I remove Gaming Copilot from my Asus ROG Ally? A: Update your ROG Ally’s software and Armoury Crate SE to the latest version. Then open Armoury Crate SE, go to settings or the overlay plug-ins list, and disable or remove the Gaming Copilot module. If it appears in Windows Settings > Apps, you can also uninstall it there. Restart the device afterward. Q2: Will disabling Gaming Copilot improve performance or battery life? A: Many users notice minor gains. Cutting any background service can help a power-limited handheld maintain steadier frame times and reduce idle drain. The benefit varies by game and settings but is typically a net positive for performance and battery. Q3: Can I reinstall Gaming Copilot later if I change my mind? A: Yes. If you remove it, you can usually restore the module via Armoury Crate SE, the Microsoft Store, or Asus support utilities. Availability may vary by build and region, so check Armoury Crate SE updates first. Meta Title: Asus ROG Ally update lets you remove Gaming Copilot Meta Description: Asus’ latest ROG Ally update adds the option to disable or uninstall the Gaming Copilot AI assistant, giving handheld PC gamers more control and better focus.