Why Microsoft 365 Keeps Hiding Copilot Features and How to Fix It

If your workflow is blocked, confirm the account and app context, then follow the ordered fixes below.

Problem Description: Chat Copilot Popup Every

An ad for Copilot shows up every single time I open Excel. Clicking Not Now closes it, only for it to reopen again when I open Excel later. Is there any way to disable this or remember my selection each time? It is frustrating to have to deal with it all day long.  I do not have a Copilot tab in File > Options. Optional connected experiences is already disabled.  Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2511 Build 16.0.19426.20218) 64-bit Windows 11 Pro 25H2

Quick Answer for Resolving Document

Hi [@Jacob2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/users/jacob2-8971/), Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Likely Causes Behind Document & File Issues

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger document & file issues.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Repairing Excel Startup Issues

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Thank you very much for reaching out to us regarding the Copilot pop‑up that appears every time you open Excel.

2. I’m sorry for the inconvenience this has caused, and I truly appreciate your patience and the detailed information you provided.

3. At the moment, this Copilot window is part of Microsoft’s First‑Run Experience (FRE) and promotional notifications designed to introduce new features within Microsoft 365 apps.

4. In some versions of Excel, the app unfortunately does not save the “Not now” selection, causing the message to reappear each time Excel is launched.

5. This behavior may also occur if the organization has not enabled Copilot or if the version of Office you are using lacks the Copilot options under _File > Options_.

6. While end users currently do not have a built‑in switch in Excel to fully turn this notification off, I'd like to provide a few options that may help: **1/ Check for Office updates** Updating to the newest version sometimes resolves repeated First‑Run Experience prompts. _Excel > File > Account > Update Options_ **2/ For organizations: use Group Policy to disable promotional content** 1/ IT admin downloads the latest [Office ADMX template](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49030) 2/ Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) 3/ Navigate to: User Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Office 2016 > Privacy > Trust Center > Disable Office promotional content 4/ Set it to: Enabled 5/ Force a policy update by running: gpupdate /force This policy prevents Office apps from showing feature announcements, including Copilot promotional messages.

7. For detailed guidance, the IT department can refer to this article: [Use policy settings to manage privacy controls for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise - Microsoft 36… ](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/privacy/manage-privacy-controls) In case your IT administrator cannot access the necessary information or make the required changes, I recommend asking them to open a request with Microsoft’s higher-level support team through the [Microsoft Admin Center](https://admin.microsoft.com/#/homepage).

8. They have access to backend configurations and can perform a more in-depth investigation. _We kindly ask for your understanding that, as moderators, we do not have access to the administrative tools or permissions required to investigate or modify these configurations.

Alternative Solutions for When Excel Still Fails

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: WPS Office for Local Document Work

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Safer Document Habits

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Work on copies and keep version history enabled when available.

FAQs About Common Document Answers

Can WPS Office fix this document & file issues issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Excel before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.