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How to Turn Off Copilot and Connected AI Features in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user wants to completely disable Copilot and related AI-connected experiences within Microsoft Word without needing a subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Managing application privacy settings to remove unwanted built-in AI integrations and content analysis tools.
- Observed behavior
- Copilot continues to appear and function in Microsoft Word even after the Copilot feature was successfully removed from the Windows 11 operating system.
Ensure you have saved all active documents, as you will need to restart Microsoft Word for the privacy setting changes to take full effect.
Disable Optional Connected Experiences in Account Settings
By turning off optional connected experiences, you prevent Microsoft 365 from using cloud-based AI tools, effectively disabling Copilot in Word.
This method addresses the application-level settings within Microsoft 365. Disabling connected experiences stops all features that analyze your content, which includes Copilot and advanced cloud-based proofreading.
Launch Microsoft Word. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the window, and then select 'Account' from the menu on the left.
Under the 'Account Privacy' section on the right side of the screen, click the 'Manage Settings' button.
Scroll down in the privacy window until you find the option labeled 'Turn on optional connected experiences'. Clear the checkmark from this box.
Click 'OK' to apply your changes. Close all open Word windows and restart the application to permanently hide Copilot and disable AI integrations.
Try WPS Office for a Fast, Clean, and Distraction-Free Workspace
If you are tired of mandatory AI integrations or navigating complex privacy menus just to type a document, WPS Office offers a refreshing alternative. It provides a clean, familiar interface that lets you focus strictly on your writing without unwanted background analysis.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and run it on your Windows 11 device.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch the application and select 'Writer', the dedicated word processing module.
- 3. Open Existing Documents: Click 'Open' and select any of your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) files to continue working smoothly without AI interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I still see Copilot in Word after removing it from Windows 11?
Copilot for Windows 11 (the OS-level assistant) and Copilot for Microsoft 365 are separate services. Removing it from your taskbar or OS does not automatically disable the AI integrations built directly into Microsoft Word.
Will disabling connected experiences turn off basic spell check?
No, standard offline spell check will continue to work normally. However, advanced cloud-based suggestions, AI-driven grammar checking (like Microsoft Editor), and Copilot features will be turned off.
Can I disable Copilot just for Word but keep it in other apps?
No. The 'Optional connected experiences' setting in the Account Privacy menu applies globally across all Microsoft 365 desktop applications installed on your computer.
Do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription to change these privacy settings?
No, you do not need an active subscription to access and modify your Account Privacy settings. As long as you can open Microsoft Word and click on File > Account, you can manage these preferences.
