How do I stop Copilot interfering with my documents? I removed the app but it is still there like an embedded virus. Word for Windows.

On Mac you can switch it off top left menu:

Word/Preferences/Copilot

My inclination is to give up on Office if Copilot cannot be disabled easily in all apps and Windows itself, ideally at the account level rather than as now at device/app level. I find it intrusive and unnecessary, It feels like a ploy to lock users into MS apps. Much as Microsoft did until anti-trust action stopped them bundling Internet Explorer. I do not want my word processor or spreadsheet second guessing what I want to do. The last thing I need is "AI" screwing up the PhD thesis I am currently finalising.

It might just be the final straw that makes me switch to Linux as my main platform, at the moment my PC is dual-boot but I only use Linux for some key hardware that is no longer supported by Windows. It would be easy to reversae the boot priorities and make Linux the primary boot option. I already have most of the Linux apps that I would need to make the switch.

Martin Wilson

Hi Martin,

Keep in mind that what you post here is never seen by anyone in a decision-making position at Microsoft. If you just want to get your frustration off your chest, that is fine. If you want to get the attention of those who imposed this on you (and their supervisors) use the feedback mechanisms. It is because so many complained about Word for Windows and Word for the Mac that switches were added to turn it off in those. What we have been told is that switches to turn this off in the other applications (and likely Windows) are coming. Be the squeaky wheel! Complain to those who can make the change. Or switch to Linux if you want, I guess.

This is a user-to-user support forum. -- You can give feedback TO MICROSOFT designers and decision makers on Microsoft Word or other Microsoft Products using their feedback mechanisms, (not here). (This is a link to directions.)

For Office, you can switch to Office Classic (i.e. without Copilot) if you want.

See my post above with the video.

For more: Removing Annoying CoPilot Prompts - see my response

My inclination is to give up on Office if Copilot cannot be disabled easily in all apps and Windows itself, ideally at the account level rather than as now at device/app level. I find it intrusive and unnecessary, It feels like a ploy to lock users into MS apps. Much as Microsoft did until anti-trust action stopped them bundling Internet Explorer. I do not want my word processor or spreadsheet second guessing what I want to do. The last thing I need is "AI" screwing up the PhD thesis I am currently finalising.

It might just be the final straw that makes me switch to Linux as my main platform, at the moment my PC is dual-boot but I only use Linux for some key hardware that is no longer supported by Windows. It would be easy to reversae the boot priorities and make Linux the primary boot option. I already have most of the Linux apps that I would need to make the switch.

Martin Wilson

That option doesn't present for me

I don't show any kind of "copilot" category under Word/Options.

Very frustrating.

Hi Brian,

Do you have the Word for Windows desktop application, version 2501?

That option doesn't present for me

I don't show any kind of "copilot" category under Word/Options.

Very frustrating.