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
    2025-01-16T18:07:50+00:00

    Check out SoftMaker NX - it's a German company that makes it, but it's amazingly similar to Office with some neat additional features. It DOES have ChatGPT, but you have to OPT-IN to have it turned on. I never use it.

    I've been using it more and more getting ready to jump ship from Microsoft. Today is that day. I'm moving all my things over to a different cloud service off of OneDrive and I will be cancelling my subscription in its entirety as soon as that is done.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T18:07:08+00:00

    Yeah, after uninstalling, copilot icon and text are still there. It says now that I have to enable the copilot "experience" that shouldn't even be available. I don't trust that copilot is actually uninstalled.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T17:59:55+00:00

    I completely agree!

    I pride myself in NEVER using AI... and I intend to keep that promise. I never asked for this, don't want it, will never want it.

    The only option I foresee is unsubscribing and finding an alternative to Word... which is hard as I'm so used to using this. But, unless they scrap this enforced AI then I don't see another choice but to leave.

    The continual little suggestion box, etc. which continues to appear even after removing myself from any and all other options (privacy tools, etc.) is beyond distracting, and utterly overwhelming. I've wasted so much time I needed to spend actually doing work! Like you, I also uninstalled, etc. and it's still there.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T17:50:50+00:00

    wow! I'm impressed you got a human to talk with!

    I went to windows>settings>apps and uninstalled copilot and microsoft 365 copilot and rebooted. They do not appear as installed apps any more, but the copilot is still in Word!!! Copilot acts as a virus.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T17:29:42+00:00

    I spent a ridiculous amount of time on chat with support this morning. The first representative passed me off to another IT person who seemed completely unfamiliar with the software. I had to show them where to even find Copilot in the settings menu and then their "solution" was to remove editing tools completely. The short answer seems to be that there is no way to disable the icon with the document and the IT people don't have a clue.

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