Free Script Strips AI Features From Chrome, Edge, and Firefox in Minutes

Developer Creates Tool to Strip AI From Chrome, Edge, and Firefox

Tech blogger and developer Corbin Davenport has released Just The Browser, a free open-source script designed to remove AI features from the three most popular web browsers. The tool targets Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox, addressing growing user frustration with intrusive AI integrations like Copilot and persistent data collection practices1

1

. The project gained significant attention after appearing on Hacker News and multiple tech publications, with users seeking ways to disable AI integrations without navigating complex browser configuration menus3

3

.

How Just The Browser Works Using Group Policy Settings

The script leverages group policy settings typically reserved for IT departments in large organizations to control browser behavior. Instead of manually combing through configuration pages like chrome://flags or edge://policy/, users can run a simple command that applies pre-configured settings automatically2

2

. On Windows, users open PowerShell as administrator and paste the provided command, then select which browser to modify. Mac and Linux users follow a similar process through Terminal, with macOS requiring an additional step to enable the configuration policy in System Settings1

1

. The entire process takes just minutes and doesn't require technical expertise.

What Gets Removed: AI, Telemetry, and Sponsored Content

Just The Browser removes multiple categories of unwanted features beyond AI. The tool strips out features using generative AI models, removes telemetry data reporting that tracks user behavior, and eliminates sponsored content from new tab pages1

1

. It also disables product integrations like price tracking and coupon codes, removes browser welcome screens, and blocks prompts asking users to change default browser settings. For privacy-conscious users, the script stops data collection by web browsers and prevents browsers from starting automatically with the operating system without explicit permission2

2

. Users can verify changes by typing chrome://policy/ into their address bar to see all disabled features3

3

.

Real-World Testing Shows Mixed Results

Testing revealed that Just The Browser effectively removes most AI features, though results vary slightly by browser. When tested on Microsoft Edge with Copilot Mode enabled, the script successfully removed Copilot from most areas, though some AI elements remained visible on the New Tab Page1

1

. Chrome users reported complete removal of AI references and annoying prompts to switch default browsers. The tool doesn't affect websites themselves, meaning AI-generated content on actual web pages remains visible—it only modifies browser-level features3

3

.

Security Concerns and Open-Source Transparency

Some users raised legitimate security concerns about running PowerShell scripts from the internet, a generally risky practice. However, Davenport's track record of creating free open-source projects provides credibility, and the GitHub repository allows users to examine exactly what the script changes before running it3

3

. For cautious users, Just The Browser includes documented manual processes to apply the same changes without running the script. This transparency addresses the security risk while maintaining user control over browser configuration2

2

.

Future Implications for Browser Control

The tool's popularity highlights a growing tension between tech companies pushing AI integrations and users demanding simpler, privacy-focused experiences. While Just The Browser offers an immediate solution, its long-term viability depends on browser companies maintaining group policy settings that allow these features to be disabled. If major browsers eventually prevent even IT departments from disabling AI features, users may need to migrate to alternative browsers or find new workarounds. The project's success demonstrates significant demand for a streamlined browsing experience free from unwanted features, potentially influencing how browsers approach feature rollouts in the future.