How to stop Microsoft 365 Copilot auto-installing - step by step

1. Log in to the Microsoft 365 Apps admin centre. Make sure the account has the correct permissions.

2. On the left navigation panel, select Customization

3. Under Customization, select Device Configuration

4. On this page, click Modern App settings tab

5. Click Microsoft 365 Copilot app

6. In the Microsoft 365 Copilot app pane, deselect the check box next to Enable automatic installation of Microsoft 365 Copilot app

7. Click Save

Note: Installation of the Copilot app applies to devices running Microsoft 365 Apps Version 2511 released to the Current Channel and Enterprise Channel, or later app versions. The automatic installation of Copilot to devices with Microsoft 365 Apps is not enabled for customers in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Related: How Microsoft sparked digital sovereignty in Europe.

As stated on Microsoft Learn FAQ’s on Microsoft 365 Copilot app, “Windows devices with commercial Microsoft 365 desktop apps automatically install the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. The installation happens in the background and doesn’t interrupt the user.”Screenshot: Deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot app FAQ.

Microsoft chose the path of least resistance: Automatic install

IT Admins need to be aware that the Microsoft 365 Copilot App will automatically install on Windows devices with commercial Microsoft 365 desktop apps. This doesn’t require admins to download the Copilot app for an organisation; instead admins must take action if they do not want the copilot app installing on users’ devices.

Choosing to auto-install Copilot instead of requiring active opt-in is the easiest way for Microsoft to get the AI app onto millions of computers around the world – and it’s not surprising that it chose this system. As we have seen time and time again, Tech Giants like Microsoft and Google are desperate for people to start using their AI models, and this is why they integrate AI into all apps and tools.

Microsoft’s decision to auto-install Copilot is also annoying for organizations because it’s up to IT Admins to make informed decisions and choose what apps are installed on their users’ devices - but this time Microsoft has chosen for them. Additionally, it could risk confidential business data, for example, earlier this year Microsoft confirmed that a bug in Microsoft 365 Copilot has enabled the AI assistant to read and summarize emails even if explicitly marked as confidential.

For companies with large IT departments, this roll out might not be an issue as they are up-to-date with Microsoft 365 app updates and can opt out, but for others who miss this, it could be an issue that the Copilot App is now on users devices. The unexpected arrival of the Copilot app on business and organisations’ devices could also pose risks and threats to different areas of an organisation. For example, it could breach AI-use policies and privacy policies.

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One thing is clear: Microsoft is desperate for you to use Copilot

Within the last two years, Microsoft has experienced a lot of push back online about the excessive push for users to use its Copilot AI, and while some might have thought that its initial pause of the automatic install of the Copilot AI app was a sign that the tech giant was listening to its users, the resumption of this makes it clear: Microsoft is not stopping. Instead, it is continuing to install Copilot when it has not been asked for.

There has never been a better time to switch

Organizations using Microsoft services could also face big price increases because starting on July 1st 2026, Microsoft 365 business and government subscriptions are increasing by up to 43%. The Tech Giant justifies these increases by introducing AI features for all users.

While for a long time Microsoft 365 has been the go to for organizations with its all-in-one office suite, in 2026 business and individuals no longer need to rely on Silicon Valley Big Tech. We can see this is possible because even countries whose digital infrastructure relies on Microsoft are switching. A prime example is France’s announcement to replace Microsoft with Linux on government computers.

What we do know for sure is that it’s time for businesses and organizations to make the switch and avoid Microsoft’s vendor lock-in, price increases, and sneaky AI integration. Luckily, there are alternatives readily available for organizations to use like Tuta, which offers an all-in-one suite of Tuta Mail, Tuta Calendar, and Tuta Drive.

With quantum-secure end-to-end encryption, open source code, and full GDPR compliance, Tuta is the digital sovereign solution for businesses who value true data ownership and privacy.