Copilot in Word Issues

Fix Copilot in Word for Mac Not Generating Images

Huda Qurayshi Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to generate images using the Copilot AI feature within Microsoft Word for Mac.

How to Fix Copilot in Word for Mac Not Generating Images

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to use Copilot prompts to create or insert AI-generated images directly into a Word document.
Observed behavior: Copilot fails to render or create the requested image, often persisting even after standard troubleshooting steps like full application reinstalls.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and that your Microsoft 365 subscription plan includes active Copilot eligibility and image generation capabilities.

Solution 1Recommended

Refresh Account Sync and Update Word

Since AI generation relies on cloud servers, re-authenticating your account and updating the software can restore communication between your Mac and Copilot servers.

Many users find that the issue is tied to a temporary desync in their Microsoft account credentials rather than a broken local installation. Completely uninstalling Microsoft 365 is usually unnecessary and time-consuming.

Check for updates

Open Microsoft Word, click on 'Help' in the top Apple menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. Install any pending updates for Word.

Sign out of your account

Click on your profile icon in Word or go to the 'Word' menu and select 'Sign Out'.

Restart your Mac

Close all open applications and restart your Mac to clear temporary system and network caches.

Sign back in and test

Launch Word again, sign in with your Copilot-enabled Microsoft 365 account, open a new blank document, and attempt to generate an image.

Service Delays: Backend server issues frequently cause this error. If refreshing does not work immediately, wait 24 to 48 hours; the feature often restores itself automatically once Microsoft resolves the server-side delay.

Solution 2

Use Word for the Web

Bypassing the desktop application entirely can help determine if the problem is specific to your Mac's software environment.

Solution 3

Simplify Your Prompt and Check Network Settings

Complex documents or strict network firewalls can interfere with AI generation requests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I uninstall and reinstall Microsoft 365 to fix Copilot?

It is generally not recommended to completely reinstall Microsoft 365 as a first step. Many users report that lengthy reinstalls do not solve the Copilot image generation issue, which is often caused by temporary backend server problems that resolve themselves over time.

Why does Copilot randomly stop generating images in Word for Mac?

This can happen due to temporary Microsoft AI server outages, sudden drops in local network connectivity, or background desyncs in your Microsoft account authentication token.

Does my prompt affect Copilot's ability to generate images?

Yes. Microsoft utilizes strict safety and content filters. If your prompt is overly complex, ambiguous, or violates their content guidelines, Copilot may fail to return an image without always displaying a specific error message.

Microsoft Copilot Issues