Copilot on Word

Question

Why can't I use copilot anymore on a Word doc. It wants me to click a box on Connected Experiences that is greyed out. This was never an issue until today.

Answer 1

Hi, @Eugene E. Kaplan

Since the Connected Experiences box itself is greyed out, it may be controlled by an account or policy rather than simply switched off. Microsoft confirms these settings can be controlled by policy.

Since Copilot was working until today, could you please check:

1. In Word, go to File > Account. Are you signed in only with your personal Microsoft account, or is a work/school account also listed?
2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Is any work or school account connected there?
3. Is this your own personal computer, or is it managed by an employer or school?

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

Answer 2

If Connected experiences is greyed out in Word, Copilot can stop working because Copilot depends on these privacy settings:

• Experiences that analyze your content
• All connected experiences

If either is off, Copilot features in Word are unavailable.

For Word for home on Windows, check these steps:

1. Open Word.
2. Go to File > Account.
3. Select Account Privacy > Manage Settings.
4. Confirm these are turned on:
   • Experiences that analyze your content
   • All connected experiences
5. Close and restart Word.

If the setting is still greyed out, the available guidance indicates the setting can control Copilot availability, but does not provide a self-service fix for why that control is disabled.

Also check these additional items that can make Copilot disappear:

1. Make sure Word is signed in with the Microsoft account that has the Copilot entitlement.
2. In Word, go to File > Account > Update License.
3. Close and restart all Microsoft 365 apps.
4. Make sure Office is on the latest build.

If Copilot was working until today, the most likely supported causes are:

• one of the required connected experience settings is now off
• the license needs to be refreshed
• Word is not using the correct signed-in account

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References:

• How to find and enable missing Copilot button in Microsoft 365 apps
• Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps for home: your data and privacy
• Connected experiences in Microsoft 365