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
    2024-12-17T01:53:14+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.

    What a hero thank you :-)

    I switched back to previous version.

    But will now try this.

    many thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-17T02:02:05+00:00

    What I and others found with Copilot in Word, unless All privacy settings have been set to ON, the Auto Save function for existing Auto Save documents and new documents does not work. Manual Save is required.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-17T02:13:57+00:00

    Oh, wow, you're right. That is so stupid. How on Earth is auto saving related to privacy?

    It's so disappointing that Microsoft uses all these dark patterns to try to encourage us to use features. You also can't remove the Copilot icon from the ribbon in some apps...you can remove anything else, but not Copilot. Very disappointing.

    I have an old licence for Office 2019, so I am going to look into using that and replacing OneDrive with an alternative so I can get off 365. We shouldn't have to find workarounds for features that could easily have a toggle option to disable or enable, and those workarounds shouldn't break standard functionality.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-17T02:23:57+00:00

    OK, I may have found a proper solution.

    When I went to turn off my automatic billing for Microsoft 365, I was presented with a new option for switching to Microsoft 365 Personal Classic at a cheaper price and without AI, but otherwise the same options.

    My current subscription is Microsoft 365 Personal AU$159.00/year, and I've now switched to Microsoft 365 Personal Classic AU$109.00/year.

    These are not included in the 'Classic' plan:

    • Copilot built into the apps
    • AI image creation and editing in Designer

    Sounds perfect. I would have settled for a checkbox to disable Copilot, but this way saves me $50 a year. I'm going to see if they can switch my plan effective immediately so I don't have to wait until my next billing year stars in March.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-12-17T03:26:07+00:00

    I did the same but for the Family version. My Family subscription is due in January 2025. The Family Classic was offered for $139.00 but won't be implemented or payment made until the subscription date is due in January '25. So, I have about a month of Copilot left.

    If the subscription expires some time further into 2025, the Classic version is not offered if you cancel.

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