Copilot no longer appears in Word

Ray Huffaker 10 Reputation points
2026-04-20T19:48:18.3333333+00:00

I have a Microsoft 365 Premium license. A few days ago, Copilot disappeared from the Word Home Ribbon, and as a banner at the top of documents. I no longer have in-text functionaility that allows me to ‘Keep’ and ‘Replace’ Copilot output. I have done everything recommended in chats including account verification, ensuring that autosave is on, enabling connected experiences in account settings, and uninstalling/reinstalling. Is there anything else I can do?

Microsoft Copilot | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-20T19:48:30.4533333+00:00

    Based on the described symptoms and the steps already taken, the issue matches the known “Copilot is missing, disabled, or doesn’t work correctly” scenario in Microsoft 365 Apps.

    Work through the following checks that go beyond reinstalling and basic settings:

    1. Confirm license type and assignment
      • Copilot in Microsoft 365 Apps requires a supported user-based license, not just a Microsoft 365 subscription.
      • Ask the Microsoft 365 admin to verify in the Microsoft 365 admin center that:
        • The account still has an active Microsoft 365 subscription (such as Business Premium) and
        • A Copilot license that supports Microsoft 365 Apps is assigned and not recently removed or changed.
      • If a license was newly assigned or changed, allow time for propagation; Copilot might not appear immediately.
    2. Eliminate account conflicts
      • Copilot can fail if both a personal and a work/school account are signed in.
      • In Word, go to File > Account and:
        • Sign out of all accounts.
        • Close Word and other Office apps.
        • Reopen Word and sign in only with the work/school account that has the Copilot license.
    3. Refresh the Office license from Word
      • In Word, go to File > Account.
      • Select Update License.
      • Close all Microsoft 365 apps and reopen Word to see if Copilot returns.
    4. Verify update channel (business users)
      • In Word, go to File > Account and check Product Information.
      • If Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel is shown, Copilot features will not be available.
      • Ask the internal help desk or admin to move the device to Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. Until that is done, use Word on the web, where Copilot should still be available if the license is valid.
    5. Recheck privacy/connected experiences (Word desktop)
      • In Word, go to File > Account > Account Privacy > Manage Settings.
      • Ensure Experiences that analyze your content is turned on.
      • Scroll down and ensure All connected experiences is turned on.
      • Restart Word after changing these settings.
    6. Check for unsupported activation scenarios
      • If the device uses device-based licensing or Shared Computer Activation (SCA) for Microsoft 365 Apps, Copilot is not supported. In that case, the admin must switch to user-based licensing on supported channels for Copilot to appear.
    7. Network and connectivity
      • Copilot requires that Microsoft 365 Copilot network requirements are met. If the environment recently changed (new firewall, proxy, or VPN rules), Copilot may stop working even though Word itself still opens.
      • Have the admin compare the environment against the documented Copilot network requirements and adjust as needed.
    8. If the issue persists
      • After confirming license, channel, privacy settings, and network, the admin should open a support case with Microsoft, referencing that Copilot is missing in Microsoft 365 Apps despite meeting the documented requirements.

    References:

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