There is a serious problem with Copilot turning itself back on in the new Outlook. I would like to ask Microsoft engineers a simple question: What is the purpose of the Copilot toggle button? What is the point of a button that turns itself back on after 15 minutes?Why are you treating users this way, with such an aggressive approach to software we paid for? The situation is extremely simple: If I turn off Copilot, I also lose the Summarize function — which I never wanted in my email client. I do not want you to offer to read my messages for me and retell them. The Copilot button bothers me, and Copilot itself bothers me. I do not need it.When I turn it off, it comes back. What is the point of this? Are you trying to force people into accepting something they clearly do not want?The only way to disable it is to block content analysis. But if I do that, spell check stops working. That is extremely manipulative. I have no words.

Thank you for the reply, but I need to clarify the situation because it doesn’t match how things actually work.I’m using a personal Microsoft account, I’m not part of any organization, I don’t have an admin, and there is no “organizational policy” that could affect Outlook. So the part of the answer referring to administrators or organization settings simply doesn’t apply here.The second point: in the new Outlook there is no reliable option that actually turns off Copilot. There is only a visual toggle, but it:-does not disable the feature server‑side-turns itself back on after restarting the app-does not prevent Copilot from appearing in the interfaceIn other words, Copilot is integrated at the service level (Outlook.com backend), not at the level of local settings. Because of that, the user cannot disable it, even if they want to.I understand that Microsoft is in the process of “gradually rolling out new AI features,” but the current situation is that:-there is no user‑controlled way to permanently disable Copilot-there is no setting that actually performs that function-there is no admin who could disable it, since this is a personal account-there is no documentation stating that disabling Copilot is supportedFor that reason, it would be helpful if Microsoft clearly communicated that Copilot in the new Outlook is an obligatory part of the interface for Outlook.com accounts and that users cannot remove it, instead of suggesting that the solution is in settings or with an administrator.If there are plans to introduce a real option to disable Copilot in the future, it would be good to confirm that officially. If not — then that should also be stated clearly, so users don’t waste time searching for an option that doesn’t exist.

Came here because I'm also getting absolutely fed up with Copilot turning itself back on in Outlook (though I use the browser version). I don't want it. I never asked for it. I don't need your stupid AI reading my emails. That's a huge breach of privacy that I never agreed to.

Every time I turn Copilot off in the web version, it gets turned back on. This has happened multiple times in the last few days; it seems to come back after a page reload or browser restart. I don't use it, and I don't like it. It's the equivalent of a moron who doesn't understand my job constantly hanging over my shoulder trying to tell me how to do it. Ignoring users' stated preferences is a terrible look. There needs to be a real, permanent way for people to opt out.

This is happening to me as well and it is maddening as heck. It's as though we have no choice but to stay connected and forced into compliance to their AI while given a false sense of control over our information. Turn off Co-Pilot. This is unacceptable, and will indeed force me to find another way to conduct business.

I'm also using a personal account and am infuriated that the option keeps reappearing on each new message AND cannot be turned off. This is so idiotic.

Turn of copilot in new outlook | Microsoft Community Hub

15 Replies

Muhammad_Ali_2003
Copper Contributor
Apr 12, 2026
I understand the frustration — the behavior you’re describing does feel inconsistent.

In the new Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Copilot is not just a standalone toggle. Some features (like summarize, suggestions, etc.) are tied to broader “intelligent services,” which is why turning it off doesn’t always persist the way users expect.

A few things you can try to reduce or control it:

1. Check privacy / connected experiences settings

Go to Settings → General → Privacy
Look for “Connected experiences” or similar options
Disabling these can reduce Copilot-related features (though it may affect spell check, as you noticed)

2. Check Copilot settings specifically

In Settings → Copilot (if available in your version)
Turn off suggestions / summaries individually if possible

3. Make sure Outlook is updated
Some Copilot behaviors are still being adjusted, and updates may change how the toggle works

4. Organizational policies (if work account)
If this is a work/school account, admins may be re-enabling features via policy, which can override user settings
- VladiFili
  Iron Contributor
  Apr 15, 2026
  For now, there is no solution. This is intentionally done so people will use text summarization and other nonsense. NUDGE! It seems nobody is using it, so they’re trying very hard to force it. If I turn off Connected Experiences, Copilot shuts down in the desktop version. The web version still can’t be turned off — only for 15 minutes. I need Connected Experiences because of spell‑check, and I need Outlook because of the cloud calendar. This has gone too far. I’m 90% sure I’ll move everything to Mac. My subscription lasts until next year and I’ve had enough of this harassment. Outlook is no longer my program. They took it from me. They control it remotely.”
  - jackcholt
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 23, 2026
    Switching to Mac is good but if you need to use outlook it's an improvement but no solution.
    Web outlook behaves the same on Mac. :(

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Turn of copilot in new outlook