Copilot Not Working

How to Remove the Copilot Icon Obscuring Text in PowerPoint

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a way to hide or remove the Microsoft Copilot icon that covers text while typing inside small text boxes.

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing presentation slides containing small text boxes while the Copilot feature is enabled.
Observed behavior: The Copilot icon automatically appears inside small text boxes and obscures the view of the text, interfering with the user's ability to edit the slide.

Before you start

Save your current presentation and verify your Microsoft Office version, as the exact location of the privacy settings may vary slightly depending on your recent updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Optional Connected Experiences

Since PowerPoint does not offer a direct toggle to hide just the in-box Copilot icon, turning off optional connected experiences serves as an effective workaround to remove it from the editing interface.

Please note that disabling optional connected experiences may temporarily disable other cloud-based Microsoft services, such as online templates, until you turn the feature back on.

Open Account Settings

Launch PowerPoint and click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the window. From the left-hand sidebar, select 'Account'.

Access Privacy Options

Under the Account Privacy section, click on the 'Manage Settings' button to open your privacy preferences.

Turn Off Connected Experiences

Scroll down through the privacy options until you find the 'Optional connected experiences' section. Uncheck or toggle off the box to disable these features, then click 'OK' to save.

Restart PowerPoint

Completely close Microsoft PowerPoint and reopen your presentation. Check the small text boxes to confirm that the Copilot icon has been removed or repositioned.

Alternative check: Before altering settings, ensure you have updated to the latest version of PowerPoint. Microsoft occasionally releases patches that adjust interface element positioning based on user feedback.

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Try WPS Presentation for a Distraction-Free Experience

If intrusive AI interface elements in Microsoft PowerPoint are obstructing your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and seamless presentation editor without unexpected visual obstructions in your text boxes.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx file without worrying about formatting loss.
3. Edit Without Distractions: Click on any small text box to edit your content freely without any AI icons overlapping your text.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt and .pptx) formatsClean, distraction-free editing interface for text and shapesFree and lightweight with powerful built-in design tools

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Copilot icon appear inside my PowerPoint text box?

Microsoft designed the Copilot icon to offer immediate AI assistance during text editing. However, in smaller text boxes, the default interface positioning can inadvertently overlap and cover the text you are trying to read or type.

Can I drag or move the Copilot icon to a different corner?

Currently, Microsoft PowerPoint does not provide a native setting to drag, resize, or reposition the in-app Copilot icon when it appears inside text boxes.

Will disabling connected experiences turn off other Office features?

Yes. Disabling optional connected experiences acts as a workaround to hide the icon, but it will also disable other cloud-based tools in Microsoft Office, such as downloading online templates, inserting online pictures, and certain data-fetching features.

Microsoft Copilot Issues