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
    2025-06-16T00:23:16+00:00

    So simple and it worked!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! (Edit to add for anyone else trying this - I had already uninstalled Copilot fully, not sure if that's why this last part worked for me. No idea why it was still showing up after it was uninstalled! Anyway, glad to be free of it!!)

    Agree with all the other commenters here saying this shouldn't be forced on us, Microsoft - for the sake of personal control of our computers and for some very serious reasons such as protecting PhD requirements! AT LEAST if you're going to introduce something automatically, CLEARLY present how to opt out!

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-12T10:35:59+00:00

    Thanks, I was able to disable CoPilot.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-06-12T10:29:45+00:00

    I am in the same situation. It feels insane and intrusive that there is no option to turn it off. Thanks for flagging this. Hopefully, Microsoft will do something.

    I have the same issue. CoPilot is yet another bloatware feature Microsoft has added, allowing it to capture information about our research, personal communications, and other personal information. It is an invasion of privacy. Microsoft should provide a way to disable the d*mn thing. LibreOffice is looking better and better (https://www.libreoffice.org/) .

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-05-03T14:01:33+00:00

    Hi Leah - just came across this same issue. Thanks very much for asking this and getting it answered :)

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