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
    2025-01-17T20:28:41+00:00

    Unsubscribing to this thread.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-17T19:54:19+00:00

    I found that there is an option to turn off "let app run in the background - which means it is probably collecting data even when you are not using. I went to Settings>Apps>Installed Apps>Microsoft 365 Copilot and set run in background to never. There is also further down, Runs at login - which I have set to off. So, not sure how or what is starting it up in the first place unless it is the act of starting word.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-17T19:23:31+00:00

    I like Microsoft's response that "before we can help you, we need to know more about your product".

    If you can't turn the AI off the same way in ALL of your products, you aren't coding it correctly.

    I'm so tired of this behavior from companies. It is clear the point is to make it harder to consumers use "their AI", which is collecting data by forcing consent through their "terms and conditions". When you have a massive market share and do this to consumers, you are a bully because you know they can't go anywhere else. Good job folks.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-17T18:40:27+00:00

    I tried to update to the latest version - version 2501. I am still not seeing any way to unclick or disable Copilot in the options. I cannot interact with it at all via the customize the ribbon tab either.

    I tried the command prompt. It didn't work. I tried to revert to an earlier version. That didn't work either. I have Microsoft 365 Family already - saw someone mention switching would remove Copilot. I don't see a place to do so in my account page.

    I DO NOT WANT THIS on my system. I am an Author, and AI is not at all helpful, and I loathe being forced to have it on my system, let alone in Word. I was able to get rid of Copilot on Windows, but not in Word.

    If I cannot disable it, I will cancel my subscription and switch to Google Docs.

    Edit: Ok, so it seems as if I was able to disable it, but the icon is still there, as is the tab in the ribbon at the top. How can I get rid of those?

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-17T15:38:03+00:00

    Absolutely agree!

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