Copilot Not Working

Fix Copilot Not Automating PowerPoint Layouts & Formatting

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to get Copilot to automatically apply existing slide layouts, identify specific content types, or create formatted text boxes and borders in PowerPoint.

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint / Copilot for Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using Copilot prompts to automate slide formatting, apply templates, and design presentations.
Observed behavior: Copilot fails to apply layouts or format elements like text box borders, despite these capabilities being shown in older tutorials, as the feature set is still evolving.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and that your PowerPoint app is fully updated, as Copilot features are constantly being rolled out in newer versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit Missing Features to the Microsoft Feedback Portal

Since Copilot is actively developing, reporting missing layout and formatting features helps Microsoft prioritize future updates.

Many features showcased in early beta tutorials for Copilot may have changed, been delayed, or removed during broader rollouts.

By submitting a request, you alert the development team to the specific presentation design functions users need most.

Open the Feedback Portal

Navigate to the official Microsoft Copilot feedback portal using your web browser.

Search for existing suggestions

Use the search bar to look for existing requests regarding 'PowerPoint layout formatting' or 'text box borders'.

Vote or create a new request

If you find a matching suggestion, click to vote for it. Otherwise, create a new submission detailing how Copilot fails to apply your custom layouts.

Feature Rollouts: Microsoft releases new AI capabilities in phases, so these formatting features may become available in a future update.

Solution 2

Seek Solutions on the Microsoft Q&A Forum

Consult the official Copilot community for product-specific help and temporary workarounds.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Presentation Design

If Microsoft Copilot is currently struggling to handle your PowerPoint layouts and formatting, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative with intuitive built-in presentation design tools and its own powerful AI capabilities to streamline your slide creation.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click on the 'Free Download' button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Open Your Presentations: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx files to manually apply layouts and formatting with ease.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Built-in smart formatting and layout tools to handle slide designs effortlessly.Familiar user interface for seamless migration from MS Office.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on most operating systems.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did older tutorials show Copilot formatting PowerPoint slides differently?

Copilot is a developing AI tool, and Microsoft frequently refines its features. Some capabilities demonstrated in early previews or beta tutorials might have been modified or temporarily disabled as the product evolves for stable release.

Can Copilot automatically apply my company's custom PowerPoint templates?

Currently, Copilot may struggle to consistently apply existing custom layouts or identify specific placeholder content types. You may need to let Copilot generate the base content and then manually apply your corporate layout.

Is there a workaround for adding borders to text boxes generated by Copilot?

Since Copilot cannot always automate complex shape formatting, the best workaround is to let it generate the text, then manually select the text box, navigate to the Shape Format tab, and apply your desired borders and styles.

How do I know when new Copilot layout features are added to PowerPoint?

You can track upcoming features and capabilities by monitoring the official Microsoft 365 Roadmap or by checking community announcements in the Microsoft Copilot feedback portal.

Microsoft Copilot Issues