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: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-09T00:40:37+00:00

    I just got notified of the increase due on my subscription update, again as with most of us we did not request Copilot and still no option to remove

    Copilot should be optional, time to explore options as with all large corporations they go to far and eventually disappear from the market, you are never to big to fail

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-09T00:14:55+00:00

    I have my Family 365 subscription falling due in 9 days time. Back in early December '24, I went into My Account > Manage Subscriptions and selected to Cancel the 365 subscription.

    I was immediately redirected to 3 Office 365 Versions Personal 365, Family 365 and Family Classic 365.

    I selected Family Classic 365 which cost $139.00 (lot cheaper), but the Family Classic would not take effect until the due subscription date, which I understood.

    I received confirmation email regarding the change of versions:

    Microsoft 365 Family will convert to Microsoft 365 Family Classic on January 18, 2025. Thank you for switching your Microsoft 365 Family subscription to Microsoft 365 Family Classic. Starting on January 18, 2025, we'll charge the current price of AUD 139.00 including taxes.

    The email also confirms what you had said - "The contract says Microsoft will advise of any cost increases."

    We'll tell you if this price ever changes.

    Since this Copilot/AI issue in Word began in early November, I have not done any further updates to my Office 365, as I did not want it corrupted any more than it already was with Copilot/AI.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-08T23:51:24+00:00

    And to add insult to injury Microsoft INCREASED MY SUBSCRIPTION by $50 on my next auto renewal. When I questioned this I was advised it was the AI component which I hadn't requested!!! Also they didn't inform me of the increase which is a breach of contract. The contract says Microsoft will advise of any cost increases. I'm outraged!! I did get my sub changed back to classic but this can only be done by contacting microsoft through chat or phone call; you cannot subscribe online without the AI component - and an extra $50 - included in the price. Unfortunately this does not fix copilot taking over the word doc. Seriously annoying

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-07T22:32:51+00:00

    Hi

    Can your please make it possible to home users to easily and safely disable copilot. I find it's ribbon of endless stupid suggestions incredibly distracting. I'm a published professional writer and I'm getting really close to cancelling my Windows subscription because Copilot is not helpful in anyway and just a distracting nuisance.

    Help!

    Stop pushing AI on us all!

    Elizabeth

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-12-29T05:40:21+00:00

    You can change your plan via your Microsoft account on the website account.microsoft.com. Click Manage beneath your subscription.

    Someone earlier in the thread said that the option to change to Office 365 Personal Classic only appears if you are close to the end of your current subscription. I had the option when I switched a couple of weeks ago and my current subscription completes in March.

    Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to change the plan immediately, so I still have to put up with the Copilot stuff until March...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments