From Word to GitHub: Regaining Control Over Your Copilot Tools

AI is quietly embedding itself into the tools we use every day—from Word documents to code editors. And while that sounds futuristic, in practice it’s a bit more complicated.

I’ve been working with both Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot in real-world tasks—writing, coding, and project planning. And here’s the truth: not all AI is helpful all the time. Some tools interrupt more than they assist.

This post is my honest take on:

• Why I turned off Copilot in Word
• What GitHub Copilot’s new Agent Mode actually brings to the table
• And a quick look at what Office 2024 might mean for people tired of subscriptions

Let’s dig into it.

Why You Might Choose to Disable Copilot in Word

At first, Copilot in Word felt like a smart extension of my writing process—summarizing, completing sentences, suggesting rewrites. But soon enough, I found myself battling interruptions more than benefiting from them. The AI tried to help before I had even decided what I wanted to say. For creative or technical writing, that can be more of a hindrance than a help.

Here are some common reasons people choose to disable it:

• System performance: Copilot can add background processes and UI elements that don’t run light, especially on older machines.
• Focus and flow: Writing is personal. Constant suggestions break rhythm and slow you down.
• Privacy and data concerns: Not everyone is comfortable with the idea that their drafts might be processed in the cloud.

How to Turn Off Copilot in Word

Disabling Copilot in Word isn’t complicated, but it’s not super obvious either. Here’s how I did it:

1. Open Word and click on File → Options
2. In the sidebar, find Copilot or AI Features
3. Look for a toggle—like “Enable suggestions” or “Copilot panel”
4. Turn it off and restart Word if needed

Note: If you’re on a work account, some settings might be locked by your company. (That’s what happened to me the first time—I had to ask IT to unlock it.)

Personally, I left the Copilot sidebar available but turned off inline suggestions. That way, I can still access help when I want it, but it stays quiet the rest of the time.

What’s the Deal with GitHub Copilot Agent Mode?

Let’s switch gears to development. GitHub Copilot has been making coding smoother for a while now, but Agent Mode takes things a step further. Rather than reacting to what you’re typing, this feature proactively works across files and commands—more like a programming partner than a tool.

What Agent Mode Actually Does

• Understands multi-file context, not just your current snippet
• Accepts plain-language prompts like “generate a unit test for this class”
• Can operate through integrated terminals, offering command-line suggestions and automations

Agent Mode essentially upgrades Copilot from reactive assistant to semi-autonomous agent—hence the name.

Should You Use It?

It depends. If you’re working on large-scale projects, debugging across files, or setting up repetitive tasks, Agent Mode can definitely reduce cognitive load. But it’s not flawless, and it shouldn’t replace your own review process. As with all AI tools, human judgment is non-negotiable.

Personally, I see it as a strong pair of training wheels for junior developers, and a productivity booster for seniors, but only when paired with clear intent and boundaries.

A Quick Word on Office 2024

(Keyword: Microsoft Office 2024)

If you’re like me and prefer to buy once and be done, you’ll probably be keeping an eye on Microsoft Office 2024.

From what we know so far:

• It’s a non-subscription version of Office (no monthly fees)
• It may offer limited Copilot features compared to Microsoft 365
• The UI is getting a cleaner, more modern refresh
• It’s optimized for offline use and better performance on modest devices

In short, it sounds like Microsoft is trying to meet users halfway, offering AI features, but without locking everything behind the cloud or a subscription.

Final Take: You’re Still in Charge

AI is clearly going to stay in our productivity tools—but that doesn’t mean we have to accept every new feature by default.

If a tool helps you work better, great. If it interrupts or slows you down, it’s okay to turn it off or limit it. That’s not anti-tech—it’s smart workflow design.

From Word documents to VS Code, from Copilot’s quiet suggestions to Agent Mode’s full-task support, the goal is the same: tools should make you better, not make you adapt to them.

And sometimes, saying “no thanks” to AI is exactly the power move you need.