Copilot Not Working

How to Stop the Copilot Chat Splash Screen in Microsoft 365 Apps

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to know how to disable or report the recurring Copilot Chat splash screen that appears when opening Microsoft 365 applications.

How to Stop the Copilot Chat Splash Screen in Microsoft 365 Apps

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to prevent the Copilot Chat splash screen from repeatedly interrupting the application startup process.
Observed behavior: The Copilot Chat splash screen keeps appearing unexpectedly, and individual users are unable to bypass it or change organization-wide Copilot settings.

Before you start

Verify whether you are using a personal Microsoft account or an organization account (business or education), as modifying core Copilot availability requires administrator privileges.

Solution 1Recommended

Unpin Copilot Chat via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

For administrators who want to manage Copilot availability and stop the chat prompt from pinning itself in user applications across the organization.

Organization-wide Copilot settings are controlled exclusively through the Microsoft 365 admin center. If you manage your organization's tenant, you can prevent the Copilot Chat from automatically pinning and launching.

Access Admin Center

Navigate to Copilot Settings

Go to the Copilot controls section to manage application availability and user-group policies.

Modify Pinning Preferences

Locate the application deployment settings and select the option 'Do not pin Copilot Chat in Microsoft 365 apps'.

Save and Apply

Save your configuration. Allow some time for the new policy to sync across all organizational devices.

Unpin Copilot Chat via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Policy Syncing: Changes made in the Microsoft 365 admin center may take up to 24 hours to reflect on end-user applications.

Solution 2

Report the Recurring Splash Screen in the App

For individual users who do not have admin rights but are experiencing buggy, repeated splash screens that disrupt their workflow.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Experience

If persistent splash screens and forced features in Microsoft 365 are interrupting your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, clean, and highly compatible workspace without forced enterprise add-ins.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without losing any formatting.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Clean, user-friendly interface with no intrusive organization-forced splash screens.Free and lightweight suite that loads instantly even on older devices.Optional, powerful AI tools that only activate when you need them.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Copilot splash screen appear every time I open Word or Excel?

This usually happens when an organization has rolled out a new Copilot policy or if there is a synchronization glitch causing the app to repeatedly prompt you. If you are an admin, check your pinning policies in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Can I disable Copilot Chat if I am just a standard user?

No. In business or education environments, individual users generally cannot bypass or disable organization-wide Copilot settings. You must contact your IT administrator to adjust the deployment policies.

Where can administrators report Copilot splash screen issues?

Administrators can report recurring issues and check for ongoing bugs in the Microsoft 365 admin center by navigating to Health > Service health, or by opening a direct support request with Microsoft.

Microsoft Copilot Issues