Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
Redmond desk13 min

How to Disable Copilot in Microsoft 365 Apps

Use the app-specific Copilot checkbox in supported desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or Outlook’s separate toggle. Learn the account, version, and privacy-setting limitations.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To turn off Copilot, use the control for the app and device you use: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have an Enable Copilot checkbox on supported Windows and Mac versions, while Outlook has its own Turn on Copilot setting. These Microsoft-documented controls apply to personal Microsoft accounts, not work or school accounts. If the checkbox is unavailable, you can turn off broader connected experiences instead, but that affects more than Copilot.

Choose the right control before you change a setting

Microsoft 365 does not have one universal Copilot switch that works in every app and on every device. For personal accounts, the right option depends on where you use Copilot. Microsoft’s instructions for turning off Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps distinguish the app-level setting in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint from Outlook’s separate toggle and the broader privacy settings fallback.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Option Where it applies Scope Trade-off or limit
Enable Copilot checkbox Supported Windows and Mac versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint One app on one device; repeat for each app and device Not available in the web, iOS, or Android versions of those apps
Turn on Copilot toggle Outlook on supported platforms Follows the signed-in account across Outlook devices Microsoft says there is no estimated availability date for this control in classic Outlook for Windows
Experiences that analyze content Account privacy settings in desktop apps Broader than one Copilot button; a change made in one app applies in other apps the next time they open Can turn off other connected features, such as suggested replies, text predictions, Designer, and automatic alt text

The app checkbox and Outlook toggle are direct controls. The privacy setting is a fallback when the checkbox is missing, not a Copilot-only switch. Microsoft also notes that Copilot availability for home accounts in Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word depends on both Experiences that analyze content and All connected experiences; turning off either can prevent Copilot features while affecting other functionality. See Microsoft’s Copilot privacy information for Microsoft 365 home accounts.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Before changing anything, identify the account and app you are using. A personal Microsoft account follows the personal-account instructions below. A work or school sign-in does not: Microsoft says the settings described in its support instructions are unavailable for those accounts. Also note whether you are in a desktop, web, or mobile app, since the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint checkbox is only listed for supported Windows and Mac versions.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear Headphones
  • [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
  • [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
  • [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
  • [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
  • [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.

If you want to switch off Copilot only in a particular desktop app, start with its checkbox. If your aim is to switch it off in Outlook, look for Outlook’s own toggle. Use the privacy fallback only if the direct control is unavailable and you are comfortable with the other connected features it can affect. Hiding an icon is not an equivalent option.

Turn off Copilot in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on Windows

  1. Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint while signed in with your personal Microsoft account.
  2. Select File > Options > Copilot.
  3. Clear Enable Copilot, then select OK.
  4. Close the app completely and reopen it for the change to take effect.

This setting is local to that app on that device. For example, disabling Copilot in Word on one Windows computer does not disable it in Excel on the same computer or in Word on a second device. Repeat the steps in every relevant app and on every relevant device. Microsoft says the device setting affects anyone who uses that device, not only the person who changed it.

That scope matters if multiple people share a computer. The checkbox is a device setting, not a private preference that follows only the person who changed it. Conversely, changing it on one computer does not by itself switch it off in the same app on another computer. Make a short list of the apps and devices where you want Copilot disabled, then check each one rather than assuming one change covers the whole Microsoft 365 suite.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Turn off Copilot in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on Mac

  1. Open the relevant app: Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
  2. From the app menu, select Preferences > Authoring and Proofing Tools > Copilot.
  3. Clear Enable Copilot.
  4. Quit and restart the app.

As on Windows, the checkbox applies only to the selected app on that Mac. If you use more than one of these apps, or use them on more than one Mac, change the setting in each place where you want Copilot disabled. Microsoft’s guidance for these app controls is for personal Microsoft accounts; it does not document them as organization-wide settings for work or school accounts.

Use the preferences path inside the app you intend to change. For example, turn off Word’s checkbox from Word’s preferences, then repeat in Excel or PowerPoint if you want those apps changed too. Restart each app after changing its checkbox. If the Copilot section is absent, verify the app version and confirm you are using the Mac desktop application rather than the web or mobile version.

Turn Copilot off in Outlook

Outlook has its own Turn on Copilot toggle rather than the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint checkbox. Microsoft lists different paths depending on the Outlook version and device:

Rank #2
Sale
Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.69 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor (Black)
  • 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
  • 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
  • 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
  • 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
  • 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
  • Outlook for Android, iOS, or Mac: Open Quick Settings > Copilot, then turn off Turn on Copilot.
  • Outlook on the web or new Outlook for Windows: Open Settings > Copilot, then turn off Turn on Copilot.

Unlike the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint checkbox, Outlook’s choice follows the same signed-in account across Outlook devices. On Mac, Microsoft’s page specifies Outlook version 16.95.3 or later. On a phone or tablet, update Outlook to the latest version available through the device’s app store if the setting is missing. Microsoft’s support page says there is no estimated availability date for turning Copilot on or off in classic Outlook for Windows; the instructions for new Outlook should not be assumed to apply to classic Outlook.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Outlook’s account scope is useful if you check mail in more than one place: Microsoft says the choice follows the same signed-in account across Outlook devices. It is different from the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint checkbox, which you repeat by app and device. If Outlook still offers Copilot on a second device, make sure you are looking at Outlook signed into the same account and that you changed the Outlook toggle rather than a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint setting.

Be especially careful to distinguish new Outlook from classic Outlook for Windows. Microsoft’s listed Settings path applies to new Outlook, while the support page does not provide an availability estimate for a corresponding on/off control in classic Outlook. Do not rely on a menu path from new Outlook to infer that classic Outlook has the same switch. For Mac, use version 16.95.3 or later; for mobile, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest store version if the control is not visible.

What to do about OneNote

Microsoft includes OneNote in its applicability and version-availability information, but its step-by-step checkbox directions cover Word, Excel, and PowerPoint rather than giving a OneNote menu path. Do not assume the Word or Excel path exists in OneNote. Check the settings and version in your installed OneNote app; if there is no Copilot control, the privacy-settings fallback below is the documented alternative for personal accounts. Microsoft’s support guidance lists Windows OneNote version 2502 as the starting point for checkbox availability, but does not provide a corresponding Mac OneNote version or a OneNote-specific procedure.

That difference between an applicability or version note and an actual procedure is important: a version number does not establish a menu path. Look for the control in the installed app, but do not try to transfer the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint directions to OneNote by assumption. If you do not find a OneNote-specific setting, Microsoft’s documented fallback is the broader account privacy control for personal accounts, with the trade-offs described below.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If the checkbox is missing: use the broader privacy setting

First confirm that you are using a supported desktop app version. If the checkbox is still unavailable, Microsoft documents turning off Turn on experiences that analyze your content in account privacy settings. This is broader than disabling Copilot alone.

Rank #3
New Bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord
  • [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
  • [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
  • [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
  • [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
  • [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by

On Windows

  1. In a Microsoft 365 app, select File > Account > Account Privacy > Manage Settings.
  2. Clear Turn on experiences that analyze your content.
  3. Restart the app.

On Mac

  1. Open the app menu and select Preferences > Personal Settings > Privacy > Connected Experiences > Manage Connected Experiences.
  2. Clear Turn on experiences that analyze your content.
  3. Restart the app.

Microsoft says a change made in one app takes effect in other apps the next time they are opened. The setting can disable features beyond Copilot. Examples Microsoft names include Outlook suggested replies, Word text predictions, PowerPoint Designer, and automatic alt text for images. Other connected functionality can also be affected depending on which connected-experiences setting is changed; Microsoft’s overview of connected experiences in Microsoft 365 discusses effects such as document co-authoring and online file storage. If you need those features, consider whether the broader privacy change is worth the loss rather than treating it as a simple Copilot toggle.

There are two reasons to treat this as a fallback rather than the first choice. First, it changes a privacy setting for experiences that analyze content, rather than switching off only Copilot in one app. Second, Microsoft’s home-account privacy information says Copilot availability in Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word depends on both Experiences that analyze content and All connected experiences. Turning off either prevents Copilot features in those apps, but also affects other functionality. The controls therefore have a wider effect than the app checkbox.

Examples of features Microsoft says can be turned off include Outlook suggested replies, Word text predictions, PowerPoint Designer, and automatic alt text for images. Connected experiences can also include functionality such as document co-authoring and online file storage, depending on which setting is disabled. If you rely on any of these, weigh that impact before changing a broad connected-experiences control. The privacy fallback is not a way to preserve every other connected feature while disabling Copilot alone.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

After changing the privacy setting, restart the app. Microsoft says the change made in one app takes effect in the other apps the next time they are opened, so close and reopen those apps as well before judging the result. If the app-level Copilot checkbox becomes available after an update, that narrower control may be preferable if you want to avoid changing other connected features.

Check app versions when the setting is unavailable

Microsoft lists the following minimum versions for the Enable Copilot checkbox in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These numbers describe the app versions in which Microsoft says the control is available; they are not separate instructions for the web or mobile apps.

App Windows version Mac version
Word 2412 16.93
Excel 2501 16.93.2
PowerPoint 2501 16.93.2
OneNote 2502 Not stated in Microsoft’s support instructions

If your installed desktop app is older, update it and check its settings again. Microsoft’s page says the checkbox is not available in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint for the web, iOS, or Android, so updating those versions does not make the desktop checkbox path apply to them. For Outlook, follow its separate toggle instructions and version notes rather than using this table.

Rank #4
BSIMB 15.6" Digital Family Calendar & Chore Chart, No Subscription Fees
  • Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
  • Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
  • All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
  • Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.

The version entries are availability details, not different controls. For example, Windows Word is listed at 2412, while Windows Excel and PowerPoint are listed at 2501; Mac Word is listed at 16.93, while Mac Excel and PowerPoint are listed at 16.93.2. Check the version of the particular app you are opening, not simply whether Microsoft 365 itself is up to date in general. OneNote’s Windows note is 2502, but Microsoft does not give a Mac version or a OneNote-specific sequence in the instructions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

These listed versions do not add the checkbox to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on the web, iOS, or Android. A missing control in one of those editions is not fixed by following the desktop menu path. If you need a supported app-level checkbox, use a supported Windows or Mac desktop version; otherwise, for a personal account, consider the privacy fallback and its broader consequences.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Hiding Copilot is not the same as disabling it

Removing the Copilot icon from a ribbon changes what is visible, not whether the feature is available. Microsoft says Copilot may remain accessible through other methods, such as a shortcut menu, after the ribbon icon is hidden. To disable Copilot capabilities, use the applicable app checkbox, Outlook toggle, or privacy setting instead.

This distinction helps avoid a common false fix. A ribbon customization can make Copilot less visible, but it does not disable the capability. If your goal is to stop using Copilot in an app, confirm that you changed a disabling control and restarted the app; do not treat a missing ribbon button as proof that Copilot is off.

Work or school accounts: these are not admin instructions

Microsoft explicitly says the settings described in its personal-account support instructions are unavailable for work or school accounts. If you are signed in with an organization account, the steps above should not be treated as a way to change a tenant-wide policy or as proof that your administrator can use the same controls. The cited Microsoft guidance does not give a work-or-school procedure for disabling Copilot; check with your organization’s Microsoft 365 administrator for the controls available to your account.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If both a personal account and an organization account are available in your apps, pay attention to which one is signed in when you look for the documented controls. The personal-account steps should not be presented as organization-wide administrator instructions. For an organization sign-in, ask the administrator responsible for Microsoft 365 which controls apply to your account rather than assuming that a personal privacy menu can change the organization’s settings.

Troubleshoot a setting that does not seem to work

  • The checkbox is absent in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint: Check the installed desktop app’s version against the availability list, update if needed, and confirm you are not using the web or mobile version. If a supported app still has no checkbox, consider the privacy fallback and its wider effects.
  • Copilot still appears after changing the checkbox: Close and restart that app. Then check whether you changed the same app on the device where Copilot remains available; the checkbox is not a single account-wide setting for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Copilot remains in another Microsoft 365 app: The app-specific checkbox does not turn it off across the suite. Use the separate Outlook toggle for Outlook, or change the checkbox in each supported Word, Excel, or PowerPoint app where needed.
  • The Outlook option is missing: Check that you are in new Outlook rather than classic Outlook for Windows, or update Outlook on Mac or mobile. Microsoft’s listed Mac requirement is version 16.95.3 or later, and it does not list an estimated availability date for classic Outlook for Windows.
  • You use a work or school sign-in: The personal-account directions are not available for that account type. Ask your organization’s administrator what policy or control applies rather than relying on the personal-account menu paths.
  • You hid the ribbon icon but can still invoke Copilot: That is expected; icon visibility does not disable the capabilities. Use a disabling control rather than a ribbon customization.

A useful check after making a change is to reopen the specific app and account where you expect Copilot to be off. For Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, verify the checkbox separately in each app and on each device you use. For Outlook, verify that the Outlook toggle was changed for the signed-in account. If you used the privacy fallback, remember that it affects connected functionality beyond Copilot and may take effect in other apps when they are next opened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off Copilot in Word also turn it off in Excel or PowerPoint?

No. The Enable Copilot checkbox applies to one app on one device. Repeat the steps in each supported Word, Excel, or PowerPoint app and on each device where you want Copilot disabled.

Will the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint checkbox work in the web or mobile apps?

No. Microsoft’s support instructions say the checkbox is unavailable in those apps for the web, iOS, and Android. The documented checkbox applies to supported Windows and Mac desktop versions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why can’t I find the Copilot setting in Outlook for Windows?

Microsoft lists the Settings > Copilot path for new Outlook for Windows, not classic Outlook. Its support page says there is no estimated availability date for turning Copilot on or off in classic Outlook for Windows.

Does hiding the Copilot button disable the feature?

No. Hiding the ribbon icon changes its visibility, but Copilot may remain reachable through other methods, such as a shortcut menu. Use the applicable app checkbox, Outlook toggle, or privacy setting to disable Copilot.

What else can stop working if I use the privacy fallback?

Turning off experiences that analyze content is broader than disabling Copilot alone. Microsoft names Outlook suggested replies, Word text predictions, PowerPoint Designer, and automatic alt text as examples of features that can also be affected. Other connected functionality, including co-authoring or online file storage, may be affected depending on the connected-experiences setting.

Can I use these steps with a work or school account?

Microsoft says the settings described in its personal-account support instructions are unavailable for work or school accounts. Ask your organization’s Microsoft 365 administrator which controls apply to your account.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Does the Outlook Copilot toggle carry over to my other devices?

Microsoft says Outlook’s setting follows the same signed-in account across Outlook devices. That differs from the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint checkbox, which applies to one app on one device.

The Bottom Line

For a personal account, use the app-level checkbox in supported Windows or Mac versions of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, and use Outlook’s separate toggle for Outlook. Restart the app after changing a setting. Repeat the checkbox for each relevant app and device; Outlook’s choice follows the signed-in account. If a direct control is unavailable, the privacy fallback can stop Copilot but may also disable other connected features. Hiding the icon is not enough, and Microsoft’s personal-account instructions do not apply to work or school accounts.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.