If you are searching for how to remove Copilot from Word, the answer is simple: you can disable or remove it directly from Word’s settings, Microsoft 365 Admin Center, or even through the Windows Registry. Within just a few steps, you can stop Microsoft’s AI assistant from appearing in Word and go back to writing without unnecessary distractions.
Microsoft designed Copilot to be helpful — it generates text, summarizes documents, and assists with editing. But not everyone enjoys using it. Many people feel that Copilot slows down performance, disrupts concentration, or raises privacy concerns. This guide explains every method for how to remove Copilot from Word so you can decide what works best for your situation. Whether you are an individual user, part of an organization, or an advanced Windows power user, you’ll find the right approach here.
What is Microsoft Copilot in Word?
Before learning how to remove Copilot from Word, it’s important to understand what it does. Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered feature built into Word that helps with:
- Drafting paragraphs or entire documents.
- Offering real-time grammar and style suggestions.
- Summarizing long content into short, clear versions.
- Automating repetitive writing and formatting tasks.
While these tools can boost productivity, there are reasons why people search for how do I turn off Copilot in Word or how to get rid of Copilot in Word.
The main reasons include:
- Privacy concerns: Some users are not comfortable with AI analyzing their data.
- Performance issues: On older systems, Copilot may slow Word down.
- Preference for control: Writers who prefer traditional drafting without suggestions often want a simpler workspace.
If you relate to any of these points, learning how to remove Copilot from Word will give you a better writing environment.
How to Remove Copilot from Word (Step-by-Step Methods)
There are several ways to remove or disable Copilot. Some are simple, while others require admin access or advanced Windows knowledge. Below are the most effective methods.
Method 1 – Disable Copilot via Word Settings
This is the simplest method for individuals who just want to turn off Copilot in their personal version of Word.
Steps to follow:
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Click on File in the top-left corner.
- Select Options from the menu.
- In the left panel, look for AI Assistance or Copilot settings.
- Switch the toggle to Off or uncheck the box that enables Copilot.
- Restart Word for changes to take effect.
This method is quick, safe, and fully reversible. If you change your mind later, you can go back into settings and re-enable Copilot. For most people searching how to remove Copilot from Word, this method is the easiest solution.
Method 2 – Remove Copilot Using Microsoft 365 Admin Center
If you’re part of an organization or company using Microsoft 365, an IT administrator can remove Copilot across all Word installations. This ensures employees do not see the Copilot assistant at all.
Steps to follow:
- Log in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
- Go to Settings.
- Under Org Settings, select Services.
- Locate Microsoft Copilot for Word.
- Switch the setting to Off.
- Save the changes.
This approach is useful for schools, businesses, or teams that want a consistent Word experience without AI. If you’re an employee, you may need to ask your IT department to carry out this process.
Method 3 – Remove Copilot from Word Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)
For advanced users, the Windows Registry Editor can completely disable Copilot at the system level. This is more technical but ensures that Copilot won’t reappear, even if updates try to re-enable it.
Warning: Always back up your registry before making changes.
Steps to follow:
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
- Type regedit and hit Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\AI
- Locate the entry named CopilotEnable.
- Double-click and change its value from 1 to 0.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
This advanced method ensures you have complete control. It is especially useful for people who want a permanent way to remove Copilot from Word.
Alternative Ways to Get Rid of Copilot in Word
If none of the above methods work for you, or if you prefer not to change system settings, here are additional options:
- Sign out of Microsoft 365: Using Word offline often disables AI-based features like Copilot.
- Use an earlier version of Word: Word 2019 and earlier do not include Copilot at all.
- Disable Add-ins: Go to File > Options > Add-ins and disable any AI-related add-ins that could be linked to Copilot.
Each of these solutions is easy and does not involve technical risks. Many users who ask how to get rid of Copilot in Word find these alternatives sufficient.
Comparison of Methods to Remove Copilot
To help you decide, here’s a quick summary:
- Word Settings:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Suitable for: Individual users
- Reversible: Yes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Suitable for: Organizations and IT admins
- Reversible: Yes
- Difficulty: Medium
- Registry Editor:
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Suitable for: Experienced users
- Reversible: Only if you back up registry
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Alternative Methods:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Suitable for: Everyone
- Reversible: Yes
- Difficulty: Easy
Conclusion
Learning how to remove Copilot from Word gives you freedom to use Microsoft Word on your own terms. Some users love AI-powered tools, while others find them distracting or unnecessary. The good news is that you have multiple options — from quick settings changes to advanced system-level adjustments.
If you are an individual, the Word settings method is the easiest. For businesses, the Microsoft 365 Admin Center is the best choice. And if you want a more permanent fix, the Registry Editor provides full control.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whether you’re focused on privacy, performance, or simply a cleaner workspace, you now know exactly how to remove Copilot from Word and regain control over your writing environment.
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FAQs
Q1. How do I turn off Copilot in Word permanently?
You can turn it off permanently by editing Word settings or using Registry Editor. Once disabled, it won’t come back unless you re-enable it manually.
Q2. Can I remove Copilot without uninstalling Microsoft Word?
Yes, you do not need to uninstall Word. Disabling Copilot works independently and will not affect Word itself.
Q3. Does disabling Copilot in Word affect Excel or Outlook?
No, each app has its own Copilot settings. Turning it off in Word does not automatically disable it in other Office apps.
Q4. How do I turn off Copilot in Word on Mac?
On a Mac, go to Preferences > Copilot Settings and uncheck the box that enables Copilot. Restart Word to confirm changes.
Q5. Is Copilot automatically turned on in Word?
In most cases, yes. If you are using Microsoft 365, Copilot is usually enabled by default.
Q6. Will removing Copilot improve the performance of Word?
Yes, many users report that Word runs faster and opens quicker once Copilot is disabled.
Q7. Can IT admins block Copilot for all employees?
Yes, using the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, IT teams can disable Copilot organization-wide.
Q8. How to get rid of Copilot in Word if no settings appear?
If the option isn’t visible, use Registry Editor or contact your IT department to remove it via Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
