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How to Disable Copilot and AI Features in Microsoft Office
Question details
The user wants to completely remove or disable AI and Copilot features in Microsoft Office because they cause unwanted grammar suggestions and interfere with manual formatting.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user finds AI features highly disruptive to their workflow, experiencing incorrect grammar checks and list formatting issues while trying to be productive.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Office forces automated AI suggestions that negatively impact the writing experience, prompting the user to seek a way to turn off all Copilot functionalities.
Before making changes, note that disabling Copilot may require modifying your Office account privacy settings or consulting your IT administrator if you are using an enterprise or school Microsoft 365 account.
Disable Connected Experiences in Office Privacy Settings
Turning off optional connected experiences can successfully disable certain AI-driven suggestions and cloud-based Copilot features in Office applications.
Microsoft Office powers many of its AI features, including advanced grammar checks and Copilot suggestions, through cloud-based Connected Experiences. Disabling these can stop the automated interference.
Launch Microsoft Word or any other Office application and open a blank document.
Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Account' (or 'Office Account') from the bottom left menu.
Under the Account Privacy section, click on the 'Manage Settings' button.
Scroll down to find 'Optional connected experiences'. Uncheck the box to turn off AI and cloud-based features, click 'OK', and then restart your Office application to apply the changes.
Consult the Microsoft Copilot Community or Your IT Admin
If you are on a business or enterprise license, Copilot may be enforced at the organizational level and cannot be turned off via standard user settings.
Switch to WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Writing Experience
If Microsoft Office's forced AI and Copilot features are disrupting your productivity, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, clean, and highly compatible workspace without intrusive automated suggestions, giving you full manual control over your document's formatting and grammar.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to set up your new office suite.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Right-click your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files and select 'Open with WPS Office' to continue working seamlessly without AI interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Copilot keep changing my list formatting in Word?
Copilot attempts to predict and structure content based on its AI model. If its automated suggestions do not align with your manual formatting style, turning off auto-format options or disabling connected experiences can stop this disruptive behavior.
Can I remove the Copilot button from the Microsoft Office ribbon?
Yes, you can customize your workspace. Right-click anywhere on the top ribbon, select 'Customize the Ribbon', find the Copilot group on the right-hand panel, and click 'Remove' to hide the icon from your view.
Does completely uninstalling Office remove Copilot?
Uninstalling Office will remove the applications that feature Copilot. However, if your subscription includes Copilot and you reinstall Microsoft 365, the AI features will return by default. You must actively manage or disable them via your privacy settings.
