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How to Use Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft 365 Apps on macOS
Question details
The user wants to know if Microsoft Copilot can be used directly within Mac desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and what specific subscriptions are necessary.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Accessing AI assistance via Microsoft Copilot within desktop Office applications on an Apple Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Needs clear requirements and steps to find, activate, or troubleshoot the missing Copilot button in Microsoft 365 apps on macOS.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 apps on macOS are updated to the latest version and verify that you are signed in with the exact Microsoft account tied to your Copilot subscription.
Verify Subscriptions and Enable Copilot in Mac Apps
Check if you have the correct licensing combination for your account type and refresh your app licenses to reveal the Copilot button.
To use Copilot in fully featured macOS desktop apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), you must meet specific subscription prerequisites based on whether you are a personal or business user.
If you are a home user, verify via your Microsoft account dashboard that you have an active Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, along with a separate Copilot Pro subscription.
For business users, ensure you are assigned an eligible Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard, or Business Premium license before purchasing and assigning the 'Copilot for Microsoft 365' add-on.
Open Word or Excel on your Mac, click 'Help' in the top Apple menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to ensure your software version supports Copilot features.
Click on the application name (e.g., 'Word') in the top menu, select 'Sign Out', and then sign back in. This forces the application to recognize your new Copilot license and displays the Copilot button in the ribbon.
Experience Powerful AI Features with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Copilot licensing requirements are too complex or expensive, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with built-in WPS AI to help you write, summarize, and analyze data effortlessly on your Mac.
- 1. Download the Mac Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Activate WPS AI: Launch WPS Office, sign in to your account, and click the AI icon on the ribbon to start writing and analyzing smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Microsoft Copilot on macOS without a Microsoft 365 subscription?
No. To use Copilot inside the desktop apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) on macOS, you must have a foundational Microsoft 365 subscription (Personal, Family, or an eligible Business plan) alongside your Copilot license.
Why isn't the Copilot button showing up in Word for Mac?
The button may not appear if your desktop apps are outdated or if the license hasn't synced locally. Try updating the app via 'Help' > 'Check for Updates', then sign out and sign back into your account to refresh your licensing status.
Is Copilot Pro enough to get Copilot in Mac desktop apps?
Copilot Pro alone only grants access to Copilot on the web. To use it directly within the fully featured macOS desktop applications, you must also maintain a separate Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.
