Copilot Unable to Read Document Error

Question

Copilot Unable to Read Document Error

Gotquestions 15

When using the free Copilot icon in PowerPoint, the message 'I couldn't read your document. Please wait a bit and try again later' is always received. Copilot works in web PowerPoint and all other office desktop apps, but fails consistently in PowerPoint desktop.

I have attempted a quick repair of office, signing out and back in, checking for updates, and ensuring that connected experiences is enabled.

This issue occurs in all PowerPoint files, even brand new ones created in OneDrive.

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Answer 1

Emma1-N 10,765 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Welcome Gotquestions,

Thank you for the detailed description. Since Copilot works in PowerPoint for the web and in your other desktop Microsoft 365 apps, this appears to be specific to the PowerPoint desktop client rather than the document itself.

Before suggesting additional troubleshooting, could you please confirm:

Are you signed in with a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account?
In PowerPoint, go to"File" > "Account" and let us know the Product Information version/build shown there.
Does the error appear immediately when opening Copilot, or only after submitting a prompt?
Have you tested PowerPoint in Safe Mode (powerpnt`` ``/safe) to check whether an add-in is interfering?

According to Microsoft documentation, Copilot in PowerPoint depends on the desktop app version, account licensing, network connectivity, and privacy/connected-experiences settings. Since you've already verified updates and connected experiences, the app build and account type would be the next items to check.

You can find the information at this link:

I look forward to your update.

Emma1-N 10,765 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-30T06:56:35.77+00:00

Hello Gotquestions,

I just wanted to check if my previous response addressed your question correctly. If there is anything I may have misunderstood, I would truly appreciate it if you could provide a bit more detail to help me better understand your needs.
Gotquestions 15 Reputation points

2026-07-31T02:58:49.4733333+00:00

This is a work account. The build is current channel 2607 20228.20124. The error appears only after submitting a prompt. I have tested safe mode, but the error still occurs. Thanks!
Emma1-N 10,765 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-31T07:33:37.7433333+00:00

Hello Gotquestions,

Thank you for your response. Since your account is a work account, I'll have other moderator who is more familiar with work account having a look into this for you.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding
Henry-N 16,325 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-31T08:54:02.31+00:00

Hello Gotquestions,

For this situation please try please try repair Office

Right-click the Start button (lower-left corner) and select Installed apps on the pop-up menu.

Select the Microsoft 365 or Office product you want to repair, click the ellipses, and select Modify.

If you see a notification that say " allow the change on your device" click yes. Then select online repair 

Thank you again for your time and understanding.
Gotquestions 15 Reputation points

2026-08-06T03:42:05.0866667+00:00

Thank you for the assistance. I did follow the instructions and conduct an online repair, but unfortunately, that made no difference and the error does persist.