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!!!!!!!!

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T21:37:26+00:00

    As there has been an influx of comments this morning (Aust) that Copilot/AI has been rolled out to other regions or countries of the world. In the recent posts some people are able to disable Copilot/AI and some still cannot.

    As this problem originated in Australia, New Zealand and SE Asia back in November 2024, can I suggest that you include your Country and the Version of Office 365. That way, those on here will know whether the recent update that allows for Copilot to be disable is in their County or Region and for the Office 365 Version that they are using.

    Personally, I'm in Australia and have the Family version. I have not done anymore Office 365 updates since Copilot was installed into WORD Draft mode. Tomorrow (18th) I will be renewing my subscription for Office 365 Classic for $139. Back in early December '24 I went through the process of cancelling my subscription, and the offer of the Classic version was displayed for $139, but it would not become active until the subscription fell due on 18 January.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T21:32:09+00:00

    I agree. I have the same problem -- I don't want to have anything to do with Copilot or AI in general and I really resent Microsoft forcing this on the user. Then again, Microsoft doesn't care about the user, so I understand where they are coming from. I am hoping to find a way to get rid of Copilot from Word. I will, once again, have to start researching Word alternatives.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T21:19:35+00:00

    I too hate copilot and this icon is driving me crazy. Has anyone figured out how to turn it off yet? I uninstalled the app from my device thinking that would solve it, but it's still in Word. Please help!

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T21:08:46+00:00

    Option to disable Copilot has now been added (Netherlands).

    However, I don't want my documents connected to the cloud or to 'Copilot activity history', which I suspect is the case even after disabling Copilot in Word. Can a staffer please confirm or deny this? If true, then please fix this, as I value my privacy and I now feel misled in believing Microsoft does too. I have no other complaints about your product but sneaking in this type of privacy sensitive feature is egregious and very upsetting to me.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T20:23:22+00:00

    Yes there is, or should be. I found it on mine. Go to the actual Options screen, and Copilot is an option on the left. When clicked, the only option you are given is "Enable Copilot" that's it, it should be there. If this is somehow missing, I'd recommend a purge of Office and reinstall it. Pain in the you know what, but it's Micro$oft, we should be rather used to this hostile behavior from them by now.

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