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
    2025-01-16T22:21:58+00:00

    I solved my issue with a switch to the Classic Family subscription (prompted by the large price increase to the normal subscription) - doing this removed the prompts from Word and Excel, and everything looks like it did, and I'm not paying for something I certainly don't want. I'm glad to hear Microsoft saw sense and created an option to remove it from the normal subscription as well.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T22:19:56+00:00

    I have the same issue - Copilot appeared in my domestic version of Word today after what must have been a recent update [this is UK]. It is so intrusive and it is not a helpful feature for me. Please advise on how to remove it. It should not be so complicated. [Edit: thanks to others in this thread, I have found out how to disable it at least (?) by right clicking on the ribbon in Word, then clicking 'customize the ribbon', selecting the 'Copilot' tab and then un-checking 'enable Copilot.' At least it is a bit better at the moment.]

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T22:10:14+00:00

    Agreed. This "opportunity" from Microsoft is obnoxious. To have imposed it upon PAID subscribers without an option to remove it is beyond arrogant.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T21:49:29+00:00

    Thanks for this suggestion. I opened the Options page, (the bottom item on the right menu when you click on the File) and found Copilot as the fourth item in that menu. Enable Copilot was checked already, so I unchecked it and seems to have disappeared. Would that all such problems were so easy to dispense with. Hope it stays dead.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T21:37:26+00:00

    As there has been an influx of comments this morning (Aust) that Copilot/AI has been rolled out to other regions or countries of the world. In the recent posts some people are able to disable Copilot/AI and some still cannot.

    As this problem originated in Australia, New Zealand and SE Asia back in November 2024, can I suggest that you include your Country and the Version of Office 365. That way, those on here will know whether the recent update that allows for Copilot to be disable is in their County or Region and for the Office 365 Version that they are using.

    Personally, I'm in Australia and have the Family version. I have not done anymore Office 365 updates since Copilot was installed into WORD Draft mode. Tomorrow (18th) I will be renewing my subscription for Office 365 Classic for $139. Back in early December '24 I went through the process of cancelling my subscription, and the offer of the Classic version was displayed for $139, but it would not become active until the subscription fell due on 18 January.

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