Copilot in Word Issues

How to Remove or Disable the Copilot Prompt in Word for Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to remove or disable the Copilot prompt that appears in Microsoft Word for Mac, as it takes up unnecessary space in blank documents.

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Trying to write or edit a blank document without the AI Copilot prompt occupying screen space.
Observed behavior: A Copilot prompt and icon appear persistently in blank documents and at the start of new paragraphs, distracting the user.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Word for Mac is updated to the latest version, as the setting to disable Copilot is being rolled out gradually depending on your Microsoft 365 license.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Copilot in Word Preferences

This is the most direct method to turn off the Copilot prompt permanently, provided the feature has been rolled out to your version of Word for Mac.

Open Preferences

Launch Word for Mac, click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar, and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.

Access Copilot settings

Look for the 'Copilot' option within the Preferences menu and click on it to open the AI configuration settings.

Disable the feature

Clear the checkbox next to 'Enable Copilot' to turn off the prompts. Restart Microsoft Word for the changes to take effect fully.

Staged Rollout: If you do not see the Copilot option in Preferences, it may not be available for your license or version yet, as Microsoft is rolling this feature out in waves.

Solution 2

Bypass the Prompt by Typing

If you cannot disable Copilot in the settings, you can temporarily hide the prompt simply by beginning to type.

Solution 3

Disable Connected Experiences

You can disable cloud-based features to turn off Copilot, but this will also disable other online Office functionalities.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Write Without Distractions Using WPS Office

If intrusive AI prompts in Microsoft Word for Mac are interrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a clean, distraction-free writing environment while remaining fully compatible with your existing Word documents.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, open WPS Writer, and enjoy a clutter-free workspace.
3. Open Your Documents: Easily open and edit your existing Word documents with full formatting retention.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .doc, and .txt.Lightweight and fast, ensuring a smooth writing experience on macOS.Clean, distraction-free interface without forced AI pop-ups.Free to use for essential word processing and document editing tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the Copilot option in Word Preferences?

Microsoft is rolling out the Copilot disable option in waves. If you don't see it yet, it may not be available for your specific Word version or Microsoft 365 license. Keeping your software updated will ensure you get the option once it is released to your device.

Will disabling Connected Experiences turn off the Copilot prompt?

Yes, disabling Connected Experiences will prevent the Copilot prompt from appearing, as it relies on cloud-based functionality. However, this will also disable other features like cloud syncing, templates, and dictate options across your Office suite.

How can I get rid of the Copilot icon without changing settings?

The large Copilot prompt disappears automatically as soon as you type the first keystroke in a blank document. Although a smaller icon may reappear at the start of new paragraphs, continuing to type will hide it again immediately.

Microsoft Copilot Issues