Copilot in Word Issues

Fix Copilot for Word Sidebar Error Messages

Maira Mehtab Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter repeated 'still learning' error messages in the Copilot for Word sidebar, even though the floating Draft with Copilot dialog functions normally.

How to Fix Copilot for Word Sidebar Error Messages

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using the Copilot sidebar to generate, modify, or summarize text in Word.
Observed behavior: The Copilot sidebar repeatedly displays an error stating it is 'still learning' for every prompt, while the on-canvas floating Draft with Copilot text box remains fully functional.

Before you start

Verify your Microsoft 365 subscription status and ensure that you have admin access to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal if you need to adjust organization-wide sensitivity labels.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Publish a Sensitivity Label

Microsoft has identified that enabling sensitivity labels without publishing them causes this sidebar issue. Publishing at least one label resolves the conflict.

This is the official workaround recommended by Microsoft while a permanent patch is being developed. It requires administrative privileges for the Microsoft 365 tenant.

Access the Compliance Portal

Navigate to Information Protection

In the left navigation pane, select 'Information protection' and then click on 'Labels'.

Create a Sensitivity Label

Click 'Create a label', fill in the required details such as name and scope, and save the new label.

Publish the Label

Go to the 'Label policies' tab, click 'Publish label', select the label you just created, and assign it to the affected Microsoft 365 users.

Label Synchronization: It may take up to 24 hours for newly published sensitivity labels to sync and apply to user accounts across the organization.

Solution 2

Switch to the Monthly Update Channel

If you cannot modify sensitivity labels, changing your Office update channel to Monthly may mitigate the bug while waiting for an official patch.

Solution 3

Use the Floating 'Draft with Copilot' Workaround

Since the error is isolated to the sidebar, you can continue working uninterrupted by using the on-canvas Copilot tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Copilot sidebar say it is 'still learning'?

This is a known bug in Microsoft Word that occurs when sensitivity labels are enabled for an organization but no specific labels have been published to the users. The sidebar fails to process prompts under this specific configuration.

Does the 'Draft with Copilot' dialog still work when the sidebar fails?

Yes, the issue is isolated to the Copilot sidebar. The floating 'Draft with Copilot' text box that appears on the document canvas continues to function normally and can be used as a temporary workaround.

How do I check my current Microsoft 365 update channel?

Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File', and select 'Account'. Under the 'About Word' or 'Product Information' section, you will see your current update channel listed (e.g., Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel).

Do I need admin rights to fix the Copilot sidebar issue?

Yes, implementing the recommended fix of creating and publishing sensitivity labels requires administrative access to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal. Standard users should report this issue to their IT department.

Microsoft Copilot Issues