Microsoft 365 Subscribers See Unwanted Copilot Additions
by John Doe
For those of you on basic Microsoft 365 subscriptions, you may have recently seen Copilot making its appearance in applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. It might feel like an unwanted guest, appearing unannounced and uninvited. So, how exactly did it get there, and what can you do about it? Let's dive into the details.
The Surprise Addition of Copilot
In what can only be described as a stealthy move, Microsoft has decided to integrate its AI-powered Copilot into the Microsoft 365 Family and Personal plans. Open any Microsoft 365 application, such as Excel, and you will spot the Copilot icon on the ribbon. While it might seem benign there, upon launching Microsoft Word, you're greeted with a prominent and somewhat intrusive message urging you to "Draft with Copilot."
Although the endeavor to enhance productivity with AI is commendable, the approach taken by Microsoft appears abrupt and inconsiderate to many users.
How to Disable Copilot in Microsoft Word
If you find Copilot unnecessary or simply annoying, there are ways to disable it within Microsoft Word. Unfortunately, this option is not yet universally available for other applications in the suite, but Microsoft has announced that a disable option for Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps will be available soon.
Steps to Disable Copilot in Word
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to disable Copilot:
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
|
1. Ensure you are running the latest version of Microsoft 365. 2. In Word, go to File → Options. 3. Select Copilot from the Word Options window. 4. Uncheck the box for "Enable Copilot" and click OK. |
1. Ensure you are running the latest version of Microsoft 365. 2. In Word, click the Word menu and select Preferences. 3. Open the Copilot icon in the Preferences window. 4. Uncheck the box for "Enable Copilot" and close the Preferences window. |
Removing Copilot from Your Microsoft 365 Subscription
If simply disabling Copilot is not sufficient, you might consider adjusting your Microsoft 365 subscription to opt-out of the Copilot feature completely. However, keep in mind that these changes will only take effect upon your next subscription renewal.
Here’s how you can adjust your subscription:
- Log into your Microsoft account and go to the Microsoft 365 section under Subscriptions.
- Select the dropdown box for Manage Subscription.
- Click the link for Cancel Subscription to revert to a non-Copilot plan.
Be aware that if you currently have a discount on your subscription or purchased it through a vendor other than Microsoft, you may face additional hurdles in making these changes.
Pricing and Availability
Using Copilot is not free regardless of the subscription plan. Here are the updated pricing details:
| Plan | Before Copilot | After Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $69.99/year or $6.99/month | $99.99/year or $9.99/month |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $99.99/year or $9.99/month | $129.99/year or $12.99/month |
This price hike will only affect you upon your next renewal date, but it is something to keep in mind as you continue using the service. If you plan to stick with Microsoft 365, this is another potential cost.
Copilot Access and Limitations
Interestingly, not all members of a Microsoft 365 Family plan have access to Copilot. Only the plan owner can use it, and even then, usage is limited to 60 credits per month, with each interaction with the AI consuming one credit. To avoid hitting this limit, you may need to consider subscribing to the premium Copilot Pro plan.
Checking Your Subscription
To see your current Microsoft 365 subscription details:
- Sign into your Microsoft account.
- Click on "Manage Microsoft 365 Family" or "Manage Microsoft 365 Personal."
- Review your renewal date, the upcoming price, and your current usage of credits.
Staying updated with these details ensures you are not caught off guard by any unanticipated changes or charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common queries regarding Microsoft's Copilot:
- Is Copilot free to use in Microsoft 365? - No, Copilot usage comes with a price increase upon subscription renewal.
- Can anyone try Copilot in Microsoft 365? - The AI is available only to the owner of a family plan and is capped at 60 credits per month.
