How to Turn Off Copilot in Microsoft Word Step by Step
5 min read
Microsoft Word’s integration of Copilot has introduced powerful AI-assisted writing, editing, and summarizing capabilities. While many users find it helpful, others may prefer to disable it due to privacy concerns, workplace policies, distractions, or personal workflow preferences. If you are looking for a clear and authoritative guide on how to turn off Copilot in Microsoft Word, this article provides detailed, step-by-step instructions tailored to different versions and permission levels.
TLDR: You can turn off Copilot in Microsoft Word through account settings, application preferences, or by disabling connected experiences, depending on your access level. In some environments, administrators must disable Copilot via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center or Group Policy. The exact steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, and enterprise-managed systems. Always ensure your changes align with your organization’s policies before disabling features.
Understanding Copilot in Microsoft Word
Before disabling Copilot, it is important to understand how it operates within Word. Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 and relies on cloud-based services. It connects to your Microsoft account and may use organizational data, depending on permissions and administrative controls.
Copilot typically appears:
- As a sidebar panel on the right side of the document
- In the ribbon menu under a Copilot button
- As contextual AI prompts while writing or editing
Because Copilot is integrated at different levels (user account, app experience, and organizational license), turning it off may involve different methods based on your setup.
Method 1: Turn Off Copilot Using Word Settings (Individual Users)
If you are using a personal Microsoft 365 subscription and have control over your account settings, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Launch the Word application on your computer.
Step 2: Go to File
Click on File in the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select Options
Scroll down and click Options. This opens the Word Options dialog box.
Step 4: Navigate to Copilot or AI Settings
Depending on your version, look for:
- A dedicated Copilot tab, or
- Privacy or Connected Experiences settings
Step 5: Disable Copilot
If available, uncheck the box labeled Enable Copilot or Turn on optional connected experiences. Click OK to confirm.
Note: In some versions, Copilot cannot be toggled directly. In that case, you must disable connected cloud features instead.
Method 2: Disable Connected Experiences
Copilot relies heavily on Microsoft’s connected experiences. Turning these off may remove or limit Copilot functionality.
Step 1: Access Account Privacy Settings
- Go to File
- Select Account
- Click Account Privacy
- Choose Manage Settings
Step 2: Turn Off Optional Connected Experiences
Locate the section titled Optional Connected Experiences.
Disable:
- Experiences that analyze content
- Experiences that download online content
After turning these off, restart Word.
Important: Disabling connected experiences may affect other features such as Editor suggestions, translation tools, and cloud-based design recommendations.
Method 3: Remove Copilot via Microsoft 365 Admin Center (For Administrators)
In enterprise or educational environments, individual users may not have the authority to turn off Copilot. In these cases, the Microsoft 365 administrator must modify licensing or policy settings.
Step 1: Log in to Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Administrators should sign in to the admin portal using their credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to Users
- Select Users
- Click Active Users
Step 3: Manage Licenses
Choose the user account.
Under Licenses and Apps:
- Locate the Copilot add-on license
- Uncheck or remove the Copilot license
Step 4: Save Changes
Click Save to apply the changes.
Once the license is removed, Copilot will no longer be available in Word for that user.
Method 4: Use Group Policy (Advanced IT Control)
Organizations that manage devices using Group Policy can disable Copilot at the system level.
This method is typically used in:
- Corporate networks
- Government environments
- Large educational institutions
Steps Overview:
- Open Group Policy Management Editor
- Navigate to Office policy settings
- Locate AI or Copilot policies
- Set the policy to Disabled
- Apply and update policies across devices
This method ensures Copilot cannot be re-enabled by individual users.
Method 5: Turning Off Copilot on Mac
Mac users have slightly different navigation steps:
Step 1: Open Word
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac.
Step 2: Access Preferences
Click Word in the top menu bar, then select Preferences.
Step 3: Go to Privacy Settings
Find the Privacy section.
Step 4: Disable Connected Experiences
Uncheck optional connected services linked to AI features.
If Copilot persists, you may need to contact your Microsoft 365 administrator.
Common Issues When Disabling Copilot
Users sometimes encounter difficulties when attempting to turn off Copilot. Below are common issues and practical explanations:
1. The Option Is Not Visible
This usually indicates:
- Your version does not support manual disabling
- Your account is managed by an organization
- Copilot is tied directly to your license
2. Copilot Reappears After Restart
This may happen if:
- Settings were not fully saved
- Admin policies override user preferences
- Cloud synchronization restored previous settings
3. Other Features Stop Working
Remember that disabling connected experiences can impact:
- Editor suggestions
- Cloud templates
- Real-time collaboration tools
Always consider the broader effect before disabling integrated services.
When You Should Consider Turning Off Copilot
There are legitimate reasons to disable Copilot, especially in professional or sensitive environments:
- Data sensitivity: Handling confidential corporate or legal documents
- Compliance requirements: Adhering to regulatory frameworks
- Workflow preference: Reducing distraction from AI prompts
- Training environments: Encouraging independent writing skills
However, before disabling Copilot entirely, assess whether adjusting settings or limiting permissions would be sufficient.
Verifying That Copilot Is Fully Disabled
After making changes, confirm that Copilot is no longer active:
- Restart Microsoft Word
- Open an existing document
- Check if the Copilot button appears in the ribbon
- Verify that no Copilot sidebar loads automatically
If the feature is still present, review administrative settings or consult your IT department.
Final Considerations
Turning off Copilot in Microsoft Word is not always as simple as flipping a single switch. Because the feature is deeply integrated within Microsoft 365, disabling it can involve user-level settings, privacy controls, or enterprise management tools.
For individual users, the most practical solutions involve adjusting Word Options or disabling connected experiences. For organizations, license management and Group Policy provide far greater control and enforcement. In either scenario, it is essential to understand the broader implications of disabling AI-driven functionality.
Copilot represents a significant shift in how productivity software operates. Choosing whether to use it should be a deliberate decision based on privacy requirements, work style, and organizational guidelines—not confusion over settings.
By following the structured steps above, you can confidently and effectively turn off Copilot in Microsoft Word while maintaining control over your digital environment.
