How to disable or remove Copilot from Word (there is a solution - check 2nd edit)

Anonymous
2024-11-01T04:09:09+00:00

This morning Copilot appeared in Word. I do not have a subscription for it, nor do I want it at all. It just appeared in what must have been an update.

I have the most up-to-date word running on a desktop with Windows 11.

I need to disable Copilot. I do not want to see it in the ribbon or right in the middle of the writing space (in the image).

Please advise how to disable, remove or just stop Copilot as I can't seem to remove it. I'm downright frustrated with it and didn't ask or request it. I did not buy it or subscribe to it.

Thank you.

Leah

Edit: Found the best solution was to roll back to a previous version before it updated. I replied further down and used a method that worked for me. Best I can suggest is do that and then start updating again when they allow us to turn stupid Copilot OFF.

2nd Edit: In the newest update (including in Australia) you can now turn it off in word for windows: File -> Options -> copilot (4th option) -> untick enable.

HOORAY! IT IS OFF!!!!!!!!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Other

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-22T18:36:26+00:00

    HALLELUJAH: ATTENTION ALL MAC USERS TRYING TO DISABLE COPILOT (with no button to do so): Microsoft has just released a software update so that Mac users on MS-Word can now disable their Copilot AI tool. Here's what to do:
    Step 1: Check your updates for Microsoft 365. There should be an update software patch that showed up today: Jan. 21, 2025. Deploy the update and install the software patch.
    Step 2: Open up Microsoft Word

    Step 3: In the upper NAV Bar for the MS Word application, left click on "WORD" and you'll get a drop-down menu.

    Step 4: In that dropdown menu, left click on PREFERENCES.

    Step 5: Look in the top section in PREFERENCES called "Authoring Tools" and left click on the Copilot icon (2nd row, left side)

    Step 6: Once you're in the Copilot subsection, there is a new button that has appeared that says: "ENABLE COPILOT."

    Step 7: That box will be checked, i.e., Copilot is activated for your MS-Word subscription.

    Step 8: Left click on that "Enable Copilot" box and the checkmark will disappear.

    Step 9: Restart your computer so the disablement of Copilot takes effect.

    Step 10: Open up a word document and Copilot should be gone from your documents.

    HALLELUJAH.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-22T18:18:33+00:00

    I hate to tell you this brutal reality - but Microsoft is not going to roll back Copilot. And while we "give it time," Microsoft is likely scraping our content and violating multiple laws in how they handled this, how they billed us, and how they've refused to respond.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-22T17:58:03+00:00

    Courtney, give it time.

    The Office 365 team realize the problems this rollout caused, but there must be lots of issues to consider when rolling back such an invasive rollout.

    Also, they may be depending on AI to help untangle this superposition of inconsistent and unwelcome states.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-22T15:55:35+00:00

    Thanks but this does not work on a Mac. So us Mac users have been screwed by Microsoft.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-22T12:30:13+00:00

    Sorted.

    Second edit spot on. Thanks.

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