Word keeps asking you to start an AI free trial

Microsoft now shows a Copilot screen in Word that offers a free trial of its AI features. Many people think Word is locked until they sign up, but the trial is optional and you can keep using Word without it. If Excel or Outlook opens normally, your subscription is fine. Work through these steps in order.

Steps

1. Look closely at the trial screen for a Not now, Skip, Maybe later or No thanks button, or an X in the top corner. Click it. Word should open to your documents. You do not need to enter a card or start a trial to use Word.
2. If Word will not let you past the screen, close Word fully and restart the computer, then open Word again. A stuck sign in window is a common cause.
3. Check that Word is signed in with the same Microsoft account that owns your subscription. Open Word, click File, then Account. Under Product Information it should name your Microsoft 365 plan. If it shows a different email or says sign in, click Sign out, then sign back in with the email you used to buy Microsoft 365.
4. Update Word. On Windows, click File, then Account, then Update Options, then Update Now. On a Mac, click Help in the top menu bar, then Check for Updates. Old versions sometimes show the trial screen again and again.
5. Turn off Copilot in Word if your version has the setting. On Windows, click File, then Options, and look for a Copilot section with a box called Enable Copilot. Uncheck it, click OK and restart Word. On a Mac, click Word in the top menu bar, then Preferences or Settings, and look for Copilot. If you do not see a Copilot setting, your version does not offer it yet and you can skip this step.
6. If the AI prompts still keep coming back, click File, then Account, then Manage Settings under Account Privacy, and turn off connected experiences. Restart Word. This also turns off some online extras, and you can turn it back on later.
7. If you never want to pay for AI features, sign in at account.microsoft.com, open Subscriptions and choose Manage on your Microsoft 365 plan. Some accounts are offered a Classic plan without Copilot when you choose to cancel or change the plan. Read the screen carefully before you confirm anything.
8. If you have a Microsoft 365 Family plan shared by someone else, ask the person who owns the plan whether the trial screen shows for them too, since only the owner can change the plan.
9. Never call a phone number from a popup, search ad or email that says your Word or Office license is blocked. Microsoft does not cold call you, and the only place to manage your subscription is account.microsoft.com.

Common questions

Do I have to start the AI trial to use Word?

No. The Copilot trial is optional. You can skip it and keep using Word with your regular Microsoft 365 subscription.

Why does Excel open but Word does not?

Microsoft often shows the Copilot screen in Word first. Since Excel works, your subscription and sign in are usually fine, and the trial screen is the only thing in the way.

Will turning off Copilot or connected experiences delete my documents?

No. Those settings only change which online features Word offers. Your documents stay wherever you saved them.

Will I be charged if I click the trial by mistake?

A trial can turn into a paid plan later. Sign in at account.microsoft.com, open Subscriptions and check the plan and renewal date, and turn off recurring billing for anything you do not want.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you sit at the computer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms