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
    2024-11-04T05:44:01+00:00

    Hi Carolyn- thanks for asking as I am in a similar position. Sending positive energy for your PhD.

    I need to be able to disable copilot when working on assessments. The simple request that the user/subscriber has the right and tools to disable a feature if they wish, regardless of the type of subscription they have

    Surprises me (not really) Microsoft would assume everyone wants this. of their type of subscription

    I, personally, don't want a feature that could haul me in front of the integrity board.

    Microsoft, don't fight this. Just fix it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-11-03T22:20:27+00:00

    Thanks for sharing this. I'm so cross this has been forced on us with no option to turn it off. Grrr.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-11-03T11:04:46+00:00

    I have been using Word for decades. I am a novelist. I don't want this icon on my UI. I really mean it. I do not want it. Microsoft, please, give me a way to remove it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-03T05:55:37+00:00

    I will look into this. I've been writing in Scrivener for my fiction writing and am using it for my non-fiction as an urgent fix but I'm angry enough at having this technology forced on me to want to cancel my whole office subscription.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-11-03T05:04:27+00:00

    My simple approach is to ditch Word and use the free LibreOffice suite. Similar facilities to the Microsoft products but less sophisticated and a lot easier to use IMHO. I get really annoyed with updates to MS products that change the look and feel and force me to learn new ways of interacting.

    Cheers,

    Kevin

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