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
    2024-11-09T08:32:17+00:00

    Ed Bott says that a subscription Microsoft 365 Classic is coming without Copilot.

    https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-copilot-ai-is-coming-to-your-office-apps-whether-you-like-it-or-not/

    But of course it does not appear to be available yet.

    Bad luck if you are a student or academic needing to submit any AI-free documents for assessment or publication.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-11-09T08:18:11+00:00

    First - I have learned from all this AI actually means Amazingly Irritating.

    I have exactly the same problem as a lot of the users here, it is so bad I can't create a Blank document in word by clicking on Blank document, if I do click on Blank Document I get this bloody CoPilot **** at this point I havent been able to figure out how to get rid of it, or how to get outside the CoPilot box, I have had to resort to opening and old document Deleting everything and saving is in my case as Word Template.

    One of the most annoying things is, if you try to open a fie that contains macros, the defaullt security settings alert you and ask if you want to continue, but the default word startup file (normal.dotm) which if am not mistaken is a Macro enaled file but there is no alert.

    I tried to roll back to an earlier version, I also tried to do a system restore, the probem wasa both system restore & previous versions were disabled and not by me.

    Some quezstions Microsoft -

    1. Did microsoft tell me they were going to load CoPiliot - Answer of course not I only paid for the annual subscription, Microsoft doesn't care a damn if it doesn't work right.
    2. Did Microsoft ask me if I wanted Co-Pilot - Answer again of course not I only paid for the annual subscription, Microsoft doesn't care a damn what I want.
    3. How about you make it easier to at the very least make it easier to disable things like CoPilot.

    The craziest part is I looked at my susscription in Microsoft.com there is no evidence that CoPilot is active.

    At this point I am thinking of formatting the hard drive and reloading everything.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-11-08T10:30:33+00:00

    CoPilot trying to teach me how to suck eggs is the last straw. I'm off to Lunux Mint where you can be your own master. There are a miriad of programs available to do all your word processing and spreadsheeting without the unasked for intrusions that Microsoft imposes. A pox on Microsoft.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-08T04:47:06+00:00

    It worked!! The 'updating' window was sitting there for about 45 minutes but eventually it said it was done, so you might have to be patient. Updates disabled! Hurrah until my subscription runs out, then back to Libre.

    Thank you!

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-11-08T04:22:11+00:00

    Sorry, I responded to the wrong email. I'm currently trying your approach, going back to a previous version. It's been 'updating' for more than 30 minutes so I think something has gone wrong. Will try again later.

    I'm not a software engineer and it annoys me that I am forced to fiddle around for ages to try and find a solution and risking making changes to my laptop I'm not qualified to do.

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