How to Disable Microsoft Word Copilot: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft's latest integration of AI into its Office suite has stirred mixed reactions among users. While many applaud the convenience and futuristic edge Copilot brings to Microsoft Word, others feel it's more of a distraction than a productivity booster. Today on WindowsForum.com, we’re diving into a detailed guide on how to disable or remove Copilot in Word for both Windows and Mac platforms—a feature non-intrusive enough to be toggled without affecting other Microsoft 365 apps.
Read on as we explore five methods that let you regain the control and familiarity of your classic Word environment. Whether you need a temporary fix or a more permanent workaround, here’s everything you need to know.

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1. Disable Copilot Directly in Word Settings​

The simplest method is to disable Copilot via Word’s own settings. This straightforward approach ensures that the AI assistant is turned off without interfering with your subscription or other Microsoft Office applications.
Steps to Disable Copilot:

• Open Word: Launch Microsoft Word and click the File tab.
• Navigate to Options: Look for the Options entry on the left pane. (If it’s not directly visible, check under the More section.)
• Access Copilot Settings: Find the Copilot tab in the Word Options dialogue.
• Uncheck the Option: Remove the checkmark from “Enable Copilot.”
• Confirm and Relaunch: Click OK to save changes and restart Word. In most cases, this immediately disables Copilot. If needed, a full system restart will solidify the changes.

This method is perfect if you value simplicity and want to quickly disable Copilot without further modifications.

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2. Remove Copilot from the Word Ribbon​

For those who prefer a tidier workspace without any Copilot reminders, customizing the ribbon to remove the Copilot icon might be the way to go.
How to Remove Copilot from the Ribbon:

• Right-Click on the Ribbon: With Word open, simply right-click the top ribbon and choose Customize the Ribbon.
• Select Main Tabs: In the Customize dialog box, choose Main Tabs from the dropdown menu on the right.
• Remove the Assistance Entry: Locate the Assistance option under the Home tab, which houses the Copilot icon, and click Remove.
• Save Your Changes: Click OK to apply the changes and relaunch Word.

By omitting the Copilot button from the home tab, you ensure an uninterrupted editing experience, while still retaining the underlying features should you ever wish to re-enable them later.

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3. Work Offline to Disable Copilot Functions​

Copilot thrives on internet connectivity—leveraging cloud-based AI to generate suggestions and responses. If you need a quick fix and aren’t tied to productivity through connectivity, consider working offline.
Going Offline:

• Disconnect your PC from the Internet.
• Open Word in offline mode, and you’ll notice that most Copilot functions become unavailable since they rely on online services.

While this doesn't remove the icon or the feature permanently, it offers a temporary distraction-free experience, particularly useful for focused writing or presentations.

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4. Switch to a Microsoft 365 Plan without Copilot​

If Copilot isn’t for you and you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider switching your Microsoft 365 plan. Microsoft has confirmed that certain subscription tiers, such as Microsoft 365 Basic, exclude Copilot and related AI functionalities. Similarly, opting for the Microsoft 365 Personal Classic or Family Classic plans will effectively disable Copilot in Word.
Benefits of Switching Plans:

• Streamlined Experience: Opting for a plan without Copilot ensures you won't be tempted by AI nudges.
• Cost-Effective: These plans are often less expensive, and disabling unwanted features might help boost your productivity.
• Consistency Across Devices: The change applies uniformly, ensuring that your desktop, laptop, and Mac have the same minimal interface.

This route is ideal for those who prefer a no-nonsense approach to productivity without the bells and whistles of modern AI.

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5. Downgrade to an Older Version of Microsoft Office​

For a more technical workaround, you can choose to install an older version of Microsoft Office that lacks the Copilot feature entirely. This method involves a couple of extra steps but can be a viable permanent solution if you’re comfortable with software downgrades.
How to Downgrade:

• End Office Processes: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and end all Microsoft Office-related tasks.
• Open Command Prompt as Admin: Press Windows + S, type “Command Prompt,” and select Run as administrator.
• Navigate to the ClickToRun Directory: Input the command
  cd %programfiles%\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun
• Run the Downgrade Command: Execute
  Officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17531.20120
• Restart and Verify: After the update is complete, restart your PC, open Word, and check for improvements.
• Disable Updates: Finally, go to File > Account > Update Options in Word and select Disable Updates to prevent your Office suite from automatically upgrading to a version that includes Copilot.

This method is best suited for advanced users; however, note that downgrading will remove Copilot’s functionality not only from Word but from the entire Office suite.

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Final Thoughts​

The introduction of AI like Copilot in Microsoft Word highlights the evolving nature of productivity tools. While some users embrace these advancements, others prefer retaining the traditional interface that many have grown comfortable with. Whether you decide to disable Copilot, hide it from view, work offline, switch your subscription plan, or revert to an older Office version, there’s a solution tailored for you.
These detailed steps ensure you have the necessary choices to customize your Microsoft Word experience without compromising on your workflow. As the conversation around AI integration in daily tasks evolves, it’s essential to know how to take control—empowering you both in personal productivity and broader system performance.
Feel free to share which method worked best for you or any additional tips in the comments below. Let's keep our discussion lively and our workflows interruption-free!

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Stay tuned for more comprehensive tutorials and guides here on WindowsForum.com, where we help you navigate the ever-changing tech landscape with wit, humor, and a knack for the details.

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Source: Windows Report 5 Ways to Turn Off and Remove Copilot in Word [Windows & Mac]