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

Anonymous

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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347 answers

Anonymous

2024-12-07T03:01:46+00:00

I too have the same issue and share the sentiment of others that these types of "improvements" should be optional not compulsory. To infer that a rollback of the software version is required to get rid of another useless software accessory is ludicrous.

Not everyone needs assistance to draft a decent document. Some of us can also STILL spell and construct a sentence.

Get rid of it! Microsoft: If you can roll it into an upgrade you can roll it out of an upgrade.
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Anonymous

2024-12-03T02:37:30+00:00

Hi, yes dammed annoying. I got a MS online assistant, using remote service to remove the new Outlook / Word app and replaced it wiht previous version. /all good
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Anonymous

2024-12-02T22:19:18+00:00

This Copilot thing is so terrible. I have always just used the stand alone Office, but yesterday I bought the 365 Family plan so that my nieces could use Office. The Copilot icon turning on and off is so distracting that I went to Apps in the Settings and deleted Microsoft 365 and Copilot and the stupid icon is still there.
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Anonymous

2024-12-02T07:15:06+00:00

I got remote help from MS to delete recent version, replaced it with previous version. It worked.
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Anonymous

2024-12-01T20:44:02+00:00

As my subscription for Microsoft 365 Family falls due in January 2025, I was looking at alternative Cloud Storage to One Drive that is provided Free in 365 in case this Copilot problem is not resolved.

I clicked on a link from my search to plans and pricing for Microsoft One Drive and was directed to Microsoft.com. I didn't sign in and two of the Microsoft 365 plans displayed for Family and Personal. To my surprise it shows that Copilot Pro available as an add-on.

Two other 365 Plans also displayed Basic and Free for 365, but did not have the Copilot Pro available as an add-on, si I did not include them.

I did a search and found there are 2 versions of Copilot - Copilot & Copilot Pro.

Nowhere within the descriptions in the screenshots below of the full plans, is Copilot mentioned as being included in Microsoft 365 Family and Personal.

Has Microsoft finally heard the call and not included Copilot within these plans for new or renewal subscriptions? OR

Is this false advertising by Microsoft for not mentioning Copilot is in these 2 Plans for Family and Personal, only Copilot Pro available as an add-on?
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