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
    2024-11-29T03:36:49+00:00

    I had switched off the online functionality for MS apps using privacy settings based on support recommendations, but the copilot icon and annoying cursor prompts remain active in Word.

    I refuse to pay for this intrusive feature nor do I want to pay a subscription for a non-updated older version so have just deleted/moved my one drive files and cancelled my family MS365 subscription.

    Will use Apple and other office apps for content production and only my corporate provided login for MS office products when needed.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-11-24T05:29:49+00:00

    Exactly. I hope they heed all the feedback. I went back to previous version. Will ignore ALL updates.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-11-24T03:45:46+00:00

    To me it is no different to what they provide in Outlook 365, where they have a toggle switch to turn on to try the New Outlook.

    That is something I'm not interested in, but at least it provides the User with the option.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-24T03:15:27+00:00

    It is outrageous that copilot can not be turned off without reloading the whole software. There should be a toggle. It is so distracting and insulting to creative content producers, to have it constantly hovering on the screen. The quickest solution for getting rid of co-pilot is downloading a different software.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-11-24T00:22:46+00:00

    I encourage you to investigate Linux, there are many flavours and Ubuntu is a good place to start. You can totally sever connections with Microsoft, the Ubuntu operating system is friendly, not that different to Windows and does not spam you or alter your settings unasked. There are perfectly good free alternatives to Microsoft Office so think about beginning a whole new chapter in computing where you are the central focus and not just another income stream for Microsoft.

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