Copilot License Issues

How to Enable Copilot in Microsoft Word with a Surface Copilot Key

Ayan Masood Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to use Copilot features inside Microsoft Word using their Surface device's Copilot key, but the AI functionality is not available in the application.

How to Enable Copilot in Microsoft Word with a Surface Copilot Key

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to activate and use Copilot capabilities directly inside Microsoft Word after purchasing a new Surface device equipped with a dedicated Copilot hardware key.
Observed behavior: Pressing the Copilot key opens the personal Copilot application, but Copilot functionality remains completely inaccessible within Microsoft Word.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft 365 subscription tier (e.g., Personal, Family, or Business) and ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready to check licensing details.

Solution 1Recommended

Upgrade to a Copilot Pro or Microsoft 365 Copilot Subscription

To use Copilot directly inside Microsoft Word, you must purchase an eligible Copilot subscription, as the hardware key only provides access to the standalone personal Copilot app.

The Copilot key on your Surface keyboard and the Copilot feature inside Microsoft 365 applications are two distinct products. The hardware key launches the free personal Copilot experience included with Copilot+ PCs. However, integrating AI into Word requires an active Copilot Pro (for individuals) or Microsoft 365 Copilot (for enterprise) license.

A standard Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription does not include in-app Copilot access by default. You must purchase the appropriate add-on.

Sign in to your Microsoft Account

Open a web browser, navigate to the official Microsoft account portal, and log in with the account associated with your existing Microsoft 365 subscription.

Check current subscriptions

Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab in your account dashboard to view your current active plans.

Purchase the Copilot Pro add-on

If you only have Microsoft 365 Family or Personal, locate the Copilot Pro add-on and complete the purchase to enable AI features inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Refresh your Microsoft Word license

Open Microsoft Word, go to 'File' > 'Account', and click 'Update License' to ensure the application recognizes your new Copilot Pro subscription. Restart Word and look for the Copilot icon in the Home ribbon.

Upgrade to a Copilot Pro or Microsoft 365 Copilot Subscription

Check for Hardware Bundles: Some new Surface models may include a temporary trial or redemption offer for Copilot Pro. Check your device's included documentation or the Windows Settings app under 'Accounts' for any available offers.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Powerful Document Editing with WPS Office

If upgrading to a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot Pro subscription is too expensive, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with an intuitive interface and built-in WPS AI to help you write, summarize, and generate documents effortlessly.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the download button to get the free installation package.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your computer.
3. Start using WPS AI: Open your existing Word documents directly in WPS Writer to explore its comprehensive features and integrated AI writing assistant.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) file formats.Built-in WPS AI helps you generate, rewrite, and summarize content without requiring expensive add-on subscriptions.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on all devices, including older laptops and modern Copilot+ PCs.Familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve for users migrating from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Microsoft 365 Family subscription include Copilot in Word?

No, the standard Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscriptions do not include Copilot functionality in Office applications. You must purchase a separate Copilot Pro subscription add-on to unlock these features.

What does the Surface Copilot key actually do?

The Copilot key on a Surface device or Copilot+ PC acts as a hardware shortcut to launch the personal Copilot experience in Windows. This is a standalone AI chat assistant, distinct from the integrated AI tools found within Microsoft Office applications.

Why is the Copilot button missing in my Word ribbon even after subscribing?

The Copilot button will only appear if your Microsoft Word application is fully updated and your license has been refreshed. Try going to 'File' > 'Account' > 'Update License' and restarting Word. Ensure you are signed in with the specific Microsoft account that holds the Copilot Pro subscription.

Microsoft Copilot Issues