'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Enable Help and Connected Experiences in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user needs to turn on Microsoft 365 Help and Connected Experiences because the Help feature is currently unavailable in Office apps like Word and Excel.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to use the Help feature to find assistance or guidance within Microsoft Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- The Help feature is unavailable or blocked because connected experiences or related account privacy policies are disabled.
Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft 365 account with an active internet connection before attempting to adjust your account privacy settings.
Enable Connected Experiences via Account Privacy Settings
Adjust your account privacy settings directly in Word or Excel to restore access to online Help features.
Microsoft 365 requires 'Connected Experiences' to be turned on to provide cloud-based features, including the Help section. Enabling this in one application applies the setting across all your Office apps.
Launch Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your computer.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the window, then select 'Account' from the menu on the left side.
Look for the 'Account Privacy' section on the page and click the 'Manage Settings' button.
Scroll down in the privacy window to find the 'Connected Experiences' section. Check the box to enable these features, then click 'OK' and restart your Office application.
Update or Repair Microsoft Office
If Connected Experiences are already enabled but Help remains unavailable, updating or repairing your Office installation may fix the issue.
Experience Hassle-Free Productivity with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with complex privacy settings and missing help features in Microsoft 365? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative with built-in support tools and seamless document compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official website to download the free version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the brief on-screen instructions to install the software in just a few minutes.
- 3. Access Features Freely: Open your existing documents and enjoy intuitive features and immediate access to the built-in help center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Help feature missing in my Word or Excel?
The Help feature relies on online cloud services. If 'Connected Experiences' or related privacy policies are disabled in your account settings, these online services are blocked, causing the Help feature to be completely unavailable.
How do I fix greyed-out privacy settings in Microsoft 365?
If you are using a work or school account, your IT administrator manages privacy and security settings. You will need to contact your organization's IT department to request that they enable Connected Experiences for your profile.
Do I need an internet connection to use Connected Experiences?
Yes, Connected Experiences require an active internet connection because they analyze content and download online resources such as templates, fonts, translation services, and help articles.
