I cannot access Word. message "press command+\ with copilot. given that the subscription is to have a huge increase please fix

Question

I can't access WORD

The message comes up as "press command+\ with copilot" . What does copilot mean?

Given that I have just been notified that my subscription is going up 50%, please tell me how to fix this

Answer 1

Hello, jennifer monaghan

Welcome to Microsoft Community.   

I realize that you have encountered a problem with accessing Word on Mac, and get a notice that the fee of your Microsoft 365 subscription will be increased. I understand the inconvenience this may have caused.

I would like to explain that:

Recently, Microsoft is adjusting Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscription prices to continue to evolve benefits and ensure Microsoft customers are among the first to access powerful AI features (including the Copilot when you mentioned) in Microsoft apps.

We are making Copilot part of our Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions in selected markets: Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Here are some Copilot experiences for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers:

• Copilot in Word transforms your writing and reading experience by generating an outline or full draft, suggesting rewrites to better capture your ideas, summarizing long texts into easy-to-understand segments, and even creating unique images to complement your documents.
• Copilot in Excel helps you analyze your data to provide actionable insights and charts, and generate formulas based on your requirements.
• Copilot in PowerPoint enhances your storytelling by generating a complete outline with visuals, text, and speaker notes, and allows you to create custom images to make your presentation more engaging.

For more information, see Unlock your potential with Copilot and Designer in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family - Microsoft Stories Asia.

I would like to know where you purchased your Microsoft 365 subscription?

From Microsoft's official website?  Or another third-party retailer (like Apple App Store)?

1 -> If you purchased from a third-party retailer, you need to contact them directly for further assistance.

For more information, see Manage your Microsoft 365 subscription purchased through a third party - Microsoft Support

2 -> If you purchased from Microsoft officially:

If you don't want the price increase or don't need the new Copilot features, I sincerely suggest you considering contacting Microsoft Online Chat support to assist you switch to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family Classic subscription (a subscription without AI).

I will guide you to the right place.

1. Visit this website: Contact Us - Microsoft Support.
2. Sign in with your personal Microsoft account.
3. Enter your issue in the search box. For example, subscriptions/invoices/refunds.
4. Click Get Help, then click Contact Supp ort at the bottom of the page.
5. Under Products and services, select Microsoft 365 and Office.
6. Under Category, select Manage my subscription.
7. Click Confirm.
8. Select Chat with a support agent in a web browser.

Please note: The Chat support team only works at certain times, so if the last window says you are not available, try to open it again the next day.

Additionally, we are willing to help you with the problem about unable to access Word in this community.

I want to know if you press Command + \ as prompted, can you access Word?

If the issue persists, we need to ask you for more information.

• macOS version: Click  the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your Mac, then click About This Mac.
• Office version: Open Word > click Word in the upper-left corner > click About Word.
• Please attach a screenshot showing the message "press command+\ with copilot." Press Command + Shift + 4 to take a screenshot on Mac.

Please understand that our initial response may not always solve the problem immediately. Feel free to post back if you need further assistance.

Best wishes, 

Lucia Wu - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist