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Using copilot with excel & word

Paul Winwood 0 Reputation points
2026-03-12T09:59:49.0666667+00:00

Trying to use copilot in word & excel copilot not rather one so I did some troubleshooting mad sure logins were correct and my Microsoft account includes copilot it does looked for updates none. I can’t get copilot to appear in the ribbon in excel or word on my dell laptop.funny enough it appears on my Apple tablet in word and excel same login I’m using on my laptop can’t figure it out any ideas?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Paul Winwood 0 Reputation points
    2026-03-16T12:48:27.37+00:00

    Screenshot 2026-03-16 080154

    Above Screenshots of my Microsoft Shows that my shared account should have Copilot on them

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-12T10:00:02.73+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    On the Dell laptop, several things can prevent Copilot from showing in Word and Excel even when it works on other devices with the same account. Work through these steps on the Windows laptop specifically:

    1. Confirm the correct account is signed in
      • In Word or Excel on the Dell laptop, go to File > Account.
      • At the top of the window, verify that the primary account shown is the same Microsoft account that has the Copilot subscription.
      • If another account is listed as primary, sign out of it and sign in with the Copilot-licensed account.
    2. Make sure Office is fully updated
      • Still in File > Account, under Product Information, use Update Options > Update Now.
      • Install any available updates and restart Word and Excel.
      • If needed, see the guidance in Install Office updates (linked from the documentation).
    3. Refresh the Copilot license on Windows
      • In any Microsoft 365 app (Word or Excel) on the Dell laptop, go to File > Account.
      • Select Update License.
      • Close all Office apps (Word, Excel, etc.) and reopen them so the license refresh can take effect.
    4. Check the update channel (business tenants only)
      • If this account is part of a work or school tenant and the device is managed:
        • In File > Account, under Product Information, look at the update channel text.
        • If it shows Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, Copilot features will not appear in the desktop apps.
        • In that case, contact the organization’s IT/help desk to move the device to Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel, or use the web versions of Word and Excel (where Copilot is already working for the account).
    5. Verify privacy settings on Windows
      • In Word or Excel, go to File > Account.
      • Under Account Privacy, select Manage Settings.
      • Ensure Experiences that analyze your content is turned on.
      • Scroll down and ensure All connected experiences is turned on.
      • Restart Word and Excel after changing these settings.

    After these steps, Copilot should appear on the Home tab in Word and Excel on the Dell laptop, matching what is seen on the Apple tablet.

    References:

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