Copilot in Microsoft Word provides AI-driven suggestions and content generation, but you may prefer turning this feature off to maintain a simpler, distraction-free experience. Whether you're concerned about privacy, want to streamline your workflow, or simply prefer working without AI assistance, disabling Copilot in Microsoft Word on Windows 11 is quick and easy.

Disable Copilot in Microsoft Word Using the Built-in Option

The most direct and effective way to disable Copilot is through Word's built-in settings. This method completely disables Copilot within Word without affecting other Microsoft 365 apps.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word on your Windows 11 device. Click on the File tab in the top left corner.

Step 2: At the bottom of the left-hand menu, select Options. If you don't see this option immediately, click More to expand the menu.

Step 3: In the Word Options window, locate and select the Copilot tab on the left-hand side.

Step 4: On the right-hand side, clear the checkbox labeled Enable Copilot. Click OK to apply the changes.

Step 5: Close Microsoft Word and restart it to ensure the changes take effect. The Copilot feature will now be disabled, and the Copilot icon in your ribbon will appear grayed out.

Remove the Copilot Icon from Word's Ribbon

If you prefer to keep Copilot enabled but want to declutter your workspace by removing its icon from the ribbon, you can easily customize the ribbon settings.

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Word. Right-click anywhere on the ribbon at the top and select Customize the Ribbon.

Step 2: In the Customize the Ribbon window, look at the right-hand panel labeled Main Tabs. Expand the Home tab by clicking on it.

Step 3: Find the Copilot entry under the expanded Home tab. Select it, then click Remove to delete it from the ribbon.

Step 4: Click OK to confirm your changes. Restart Word to see the effect. Copilot remains active but no longer occupies space on your ribbon.

Temporarily Disable Copilot by Working Offline

Copilot requires an active internet connection to deliver AI-driven suggestions. If you only occasionally prefer to work without Copilot's assistance, simply disconnecting from the internet temporarily disables most of Copilot's functionality.

Step 1: Disconnect your computer from Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable.

Step 2: Open Word and continue working. Copilot will not provide any suggestions or assistance while offline.

Step 3: Once you reconnect to the internet, Copilot will automatically resume functioning.

This method is convenient for short periods when you prefer no AI interaction but doesn't permanently disable Copilot.

Switch to a Microsoft 365 Plan Without Copilot

For users who want to entirely avoid Copilot across all Microsoft 365 apps, switching to a plan that doesn't include Copilot is an option. Microsoft offers alternative plans, such as Microsoft 365 Basic or Office Home 2024, which exclude Copilot features.

Visit Microsoft's official website to explore available plans and choose one that best suits your preferences.

Downgrade to an Older Microsoft Word Version

If you're committed to completely removing Copilot from Word, another method involves downgrading to an earlier version of Microsoft Office that doesn't include Copilot. Be aware that this method affects all Office apps and prevents you from receiving new features and updates.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. End all running Microsoft Office processes by selecting each one and clicking End task.

Step 2: Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and press Enter:

cd %programfiles%\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun

Step 4: Next, run the following command to downgrade Microsoft Office to an earlier version without Copilot:

Officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17531.20120

Step 5: Allow the downgrade process to complete. Once done, restart your computer.

Step 6: Open Word and confirm that Copilot is no longer present. To prevent automatic updates that might reinstall Copilot, go to File > Account > Update Options and select Disable Updates.

Note: Disabling updates can expose you to security risks, so consider this carefully before proceeding.

These methods give you complete control over Copilot's presence in Word, allowing you to tailor your workspace exactly to your preference. Choose the method that best aligns with your workflow and needs, and enjoy a more customized Word experience.