Microsoft has backing down on a controversial change to its Copilot assistant.
The Redmond-based firm recently added a button for its Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant Copilot, which hovers in the bottom-right corner of its Office apps. The new location was designed to make it easier to summon the AI helper, which is designed to act as a “copilot” for your work — hence the name — by jumping in to draft documents, analyse spreadsheet data, summarise calls, generate images, and automate routine tasks.
But the shake-up didn't go down well with Microsoft Office users, who complained the new floating Copilot button in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint was getting in the way.
One frustrated user didn't hold back on the Microsoft Feedback portal, writing: "Please get rid of the floating Copilot icon at the bottom right of my Excel screen, or give me a way to turn it off. I do not want, nor need, Copilot in any capacity. Its presence is infuriating."
Another user called it a "horrible upgrade" and pleaded with Microsoft to "provide a way to turn it off."
Thankfully for those who complained, it seems like someone at Microsoft was listening as the company is letting everyone shift the Copilot button back to the traditional ribbon at the top of the screen.
Microsoft has listened to user feedback and moved the Copilot button back to its previous spot
|MICROSOFT
Microsoft confirmed the change in a blog post: "We’ve been working to make Microsoft 365 feel more connected and integrated with Copilot, available as a helpful thought partner, when you need it.
"We recently updated Word, Excel and PowerPoint with a consolidated, more visible entry point (Dynamic Action Button) at the bottom right of the apps that suggests actions from Copilot based on your document.
"You may have noticed similar entry points in other apps across Microsoft 365, all with access to the same Copilot. As we continue to thoughtfully and intentionally shape how Copilot integrates with the tried-and-true workflows within Word, Excel and PowerPoint that you rely on, we’re listening, learning and improving as we go. To that end, we're already making a few updates based on feedback."
The fix gives you three options — keep the floating button, dock it to the side, or move it back to the ribbon entirely. You'll need to right-click the Copilot icon to choose your preference.
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So why did Microsoft push ahead with this floating button in the first place?
Only around 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users actually pay for Copilot, the company confirmed in an earnings call — so adoption has fallen well short of what the company hoped to achieve.
To boost engagement, Microsoft started rolling out what it called the "Copilot Dynamic Action Button" last December, expanding it further this year.
Copilot is designed to act as a “copilot” for your work — hence the name — by leveraging AI smarts to draft documents, analyse your spreadsheet data, summarise video calls, generate images, and automate routine tasks.
| MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICEThe U-turn comes after the company decided to scale back on the AI assistant in other areas, too.
While Microsoft has been supercharging Copilot across its Office apps like mentioned above, it’s taking a very different approach with Windows 11’s built-in tools like NotePad and Snipping Tool. This follows a promise Microsoft made earlier this year, when the company said it would reduce “unnecessary Copilot entry points” across Windows 11— the latest operating system for your device.
Microsoft explains in a statement: "You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well-crafted."
Microsoft is pressing ahead with plans to add AI agents to the Windows taskbar as an optional feature, which is still being tested | WINDOWS LATESTDespite these changes, Microsoft is pressing ahead with plans to add AI agents to the Windows taskbar as an optional feature. Instead of opening apps manually, your computer has AI-powered assistants (“agents”) sitting right on the taskbar, ready to:
- answer questions
- automate tasks
- interact with your files and apps
- act on your behalf
It could be a great addition if you want to minimise how many windows you have open at once, keeping your desktop more organised.
This feature is still being tested before it rolls out to everyone.