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
    2024-12-13T08:36:26+00:00

    I did this on Windows 10 with my Microsoft Office personal subscription, which just went up 30% in price while crippling me with its copilot rubbish.

    Download the ISO for Microsoft Office 2019 if nothing since then is that important to you. This is a link, but I used an ISO I saved years ago, so can't guarantee it.

    http://officecdn.microsoft.com/PR/492350f6-3a01-4f97-b9c0-c7c6ddf67d60/media/en-us/ProPlus2019Retail.img

    Uninstall Office 365 using Control Panel >> Programs and Features

    Double click on the img file and install it.

    When it asks for a serial number, click Back, and you should be asked to register with your Microsoft Account.

    Enter you account details, and you have a registered Office without copilot.

    Easy as can be. That tells me two things. They HAVE to make it available. They DON'T WANT it to be available.

    (There is a sign that says beware of the leopard on the door.)

    Disgusted. When I find a 1TB cloud that works with all my devices, I am gone from Office and MS. Or they can make a 1TB cloud without office for $5 per month.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-14T04:09:51+00:00

    Microsoft, copilot in word is an absolute pain, especially for highlighting text. Arrow down across a page and the cursor disappears. Incredibly annoying - get rid of it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-16T21:39:20+00:00

    LibreOffice

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-17T01:09:35+00:00

    Microsoft get the F%%% out of our lives, if we want coplot in word etc we will subscribe, do not assume or send us down the rabbit hole to get out out of it

    40+ plus years in IT tells me this sucks

    If I login to any MS products in a weeks time and still see this **** without a simple opt out option I will cancel my subscription and advise everybody else to do like wise

    And please do not post back that you accepted our terms etc, you know that anybody with a life does not read the BS in these TOC documents as we have a life to lead

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-12-17T01:35:46+00:00

    I have a partial solution. In Word (or any Office app):

    1. Go to File > Account.
    2. Click 'Manage Settings' under 'Account Privacy'
    3. Deselect all the options relating to 'Connected Experiences'.
    4. Click OK.

    Note: This might disable some things like Clipart and templates that require downloads. It seems like Microsoft want to make it hard to disable Copilot by tying it in with things some people will want to keep enabled.

    The annoying 'Draft with Copilot' icon still appears on the left when you have the cursor in an empty space, but it's not functional, and I think all other traces of Copilot are gone.

    For those of us who find that icon distracting, it's sadly not a perfect solution, but it's better than nothing.

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