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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

347 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-13T22:02:51+00:00

    Hi Joe,

    I also have the Family version and have 2 separate Microsoft Accounts, which I switch between accounts in both Outlook 365 and Office 365 on the same laptop, and Copilot operates no matter which account is used.

    At the moment Copilot is only being used in Draft mode, so if you edit an existing Word file, you will see a little icon on the left side of the working page move up and down as you progress through the document that is Copilot. Or as someone in earlier posts had said when they opened a new Blank document, Copilot Draft icon was there again.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-11-13T21:39:08+00:00

    I've also been searching for a way to disable this loathsome, intrusive and unwanted junk from my office apps.

    For anyone on a Family plan there is a workaround: it turns out that Microsoft only inflicts CoPilot on the primary account holder, not other family members. So in my case the workaround was to create a new Microsoft account, invite the new account into the family, and switch to that one as my primary for using Office apps. Hey presto - no more hideous CoPilot icons intruding in Word and Powerpoint docs.

    I dare say Microsoft will cotton on to this and simply raise the price of the Family plan yet again and force-activate their unwanted spyware on all accounts, but at least it buys some time to look for alternatives.

    This whole experience is a stark reminder of what happens when we, as users, allow ourselves to become dependent on an unregulated monopoly. Windows is easy to ditch as Mac and (for many) Linux offer perfectly good alternatives, but Office is harder to get rid off completely if you need to share docs with others as the best alternative, LibreOffice, is still not 100% compatible with complex formatting (and I'm sure MS will do all they can to keep it that way). Right now they seem like the most viable way forwards, though, so I'm off to donate...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-11-13T21:05:34+00:00

    Hi Thanks for all the comments about Copilot. So I understand Microsoft has forced this pathetic feature upon us without our consent. I DO NOT want Copilot and I want the ability to turn it off. Looks like this might be a class action for the courts.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-13T20:13:58+00:00

    I found MS chat line, they then did a remote uninstall and reinstall of older version for me.

    It should only ever be an option. I dont need it

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-11-13T20:09:24+00:00

    I found MS online chat, they then did remote fix. Uninstall, and reinstall minus CoPilot happy !

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments