To enable Copilot in Word, you need a Copilot Pro or Microsoft 365 Copilot license, a current Word version, and must toggle the feature on in File > Options.
The Copilot icon is supposed to appear in your Word ribbon, but for many users it stays hidden or greyed out. The steps for how to enable Copilot in Word are simple once the right licenses and settings are in place. This guide covers the exact process to get Copilot working on desktop and web, including the common problems that block it.
Enabling Copilot in Word: Prerequisites You Must Meet
Before Copilot shows up in Word, three things must be true about your setup.
1. An active Copilot license. A standard Microsoft 365 subscription does not include Copilot. You need the Copilot Pro add-on for $20 a month (or $200 a year) for personal use. Business users need the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on, which costs roughly $30 per user per month. Perpetual licenses like Office 2021 or 2019 do not support Copilot at all.
2. Word version 2408 or later on the right channel. Microsoft released Copilot for Word in version 2408 (build 17928.20134) in August 2024. You must be on the Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. Organizations using the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel will not see the Copilot button.
3. Connected experiences turned on. Go to File > Account > Manage Settings. Make sure Turn on experiences that analyze your content is checked. On Mac, enable this in Preferences > Privacy. Copilot is a cloud service, so it needs internet access and permission to analyze your document.
How to Turn On Copilot in Word (Desktop)
Once the prerequisites are in place, enabling the feature takes seconds. These methods work on both Windows and Mac.
Method 1: Via File Options (Stable Path)
This is the official documented route and works on every supported build.
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Click File in the top-left corner.
- Select Options from the menu.
- Navigate to the Copilot section.
- Check the box labeled Enable Copilot.
- Click OK to save. The Copilot icon should appear on your Home tab ribbon.
Method 2: Via the Ribbon Icon
If the Copilot icon is already visible on your ribbon or document corner, click it directly to open the chat pane. Type a prompt or select one of the suggested actions.
Method 3: For Mac Users
Mac users need to explicitly enable connected experiences first. Go to Word > Preferences > Privacy and turn on Connected Experiences. After that, follow the File Options method above.
How to Enable Copilot in Word for the Web
The web version offers the fastest way to start using Copilot without updating any software. Open Word for the Web in Edge or Chrome. Press Win + C (or Ctrl + C) to open the Copilot prompt instantly. You can also press ALT + i to bring up the prompt box. The web version supports the same core features, including drafting and rewriting.
Why Is Copilot Greyed Out or Missing in Word?
If the button doesn’t appear or won’t activate, this table covers the most common reasons and fixes.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Step-by-Step Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot button is missing entirely | Wrong update channel (Semi-Annual) | Switch to Current Channel via File > Account > Update Options |
| Copilot is greyed out | Privacy settings blocking AI features | Enable “All connected experiences” in File > Account > Manage Settings |
| “Get started” does nothing | License not properly attached | Refresh the license via File > Account > Update License |
| Copilot not responding to prompts | No internet connection | Check internet connectivity and try again |
| Copilot is only available in web app | Word version is too old | Update Microsoft 365 to version 2408 or later |
| Copilot says “Not available for this account” | Signed in with the wrong account | Sign out and sign back in with the account holding the Copilot license |
| Button appears but does nothing | Admin has not enabled the plugin | Ask IT admin to enable Copilot in Microsoft 365 Admin Center > Settings > Plugins |
If you still have trouble after trying these fixes, the official Microsoft support guide for the missing Copilot button covers additional steps like license reassignment and repair installs.
Copilot Pro vs. Microsoft 365 Copilot: Which License Do You Need?
Choosing the right plan depends on whether you are setting this up for yourself or an organization. The table below breaks down the options.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot Pro | $20 / month (or $200 / year) | Individuals and families who need AI in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint |
| Microsoft 365 Copilot (Add-on) | $30 / user / month | Businesses with E3, E5, or Business Premium licenses |
| Microsoft 365 Personal / Family | Included in subscription | General Office use — does not include Copilot |
| Office 2021 / 2019 | One-time purchase | Offline or static use — does not support Copilot at all |
Final Checklist: Get Copilot Working in Word
Run through this quick checklist if Copilot still won’t cooperate.
- License is active. You have Copilot Pro or a Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on assigned to your account.
- Word is on the Current Channel. Version 2408 or later. Check in File > Account > About Word.
- Connected experiences are on. File > Account > Manage Settings > Enable.
- License is refreshed. File > Account > Update License.
- You are signed into the right account. The Microsoft account tied to the Copilot subscription.
Once Copilot is active, use the / key in the prompt box to link up to 20 files from OneDrive or SharePoint for context. After Copilot generates text, you can choose Keep it, Regenerate, or Discard it.
References & Sources
- Microsoft Support. “How to find and enable missing Copilot button in Microsoft 365 Apps.” Official guide for enabling Copilot and troubleshooting missing icons.