Microsoft is preparing to introduce updates to its Office suite next week, providing users the option to remove a floating Copilot button. This feature, which recently appeared in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is situated in the bottom right corner of documents or spreadsheets. Its placement has frustrated numerous Excel users because it obstructs cell visibility and cannot be entirely turned off.
“We’ve observed increased engagement with Copilot in Office applications following this update, but we’ve also received feedback about the need for more control over its appearance,” notes Katie Kivett, Microsoft’s partner group product manager. “While our long-term aim is to make Copilot more adaptive and flexible, we are making some interim adjustments to address these concerns.”
Previously, Microsoft offered a dock option to minimize the Copilot button’s intrusion. Now, the company is introducing a feature that allows the button to be moved to the ribbon, eliminating its floating presence on documents. This new capability will become available next week when users right-click on the “Dynamic Action Button.”
This modification to Office apps follows Microsoft’s initiative last month to eliminate “unnecessary” Copilot buttons from several Windows 11 applications. After years of frequent Copilot button placements, it appears Microsoft is acknowledging that these features may be more bothersome than beneficial.
