Microsoft will allow users to remove the intrusive AI assistant Copilot button in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Microsoft is making Copilot more flexible in Office

In upcoming updates to Word, Excel and PowerPoint, users will be able to remove the floating button of the built‑in AI assistant Copilot. The button that appeared a few weeks ago in the lower right corner of documents and spreadsheets has generated many complaints—especially from Excel users, where it blocks cells and cannot be fully disabled.

What developers are saying

Katie Kivett, head of Microsoft’s product group, noted that the company is seeing increased engagement with Copilot but also receiving requests for more flexible control over its display. “We’re aiming to make Copilot more adaptive and are introducing targeted changes,” she explained.

New button‑management options

Previously the button could only be pinned to the corner of the screen and resized. Now users can move it to a toolbar at the top of the window. To do so, simply right‑click the Copilot button—an appropriate option will appear.

Context for the changes

This decision follows Microsoft’s recent removal of Copilot buttons from Windows 11 apps a month ago. Over the years the company had scattered them everywhere, but now realizes that intrusive interface elements can irritate users more than they help.

Thus, the Office update will make Copilot more convenient and allow users to control its presence in their workspace.