Productivity

Applies to: Outlook for Microsoft 365 on Windows (current channel), Outlook for Mac (notes included), and Outlook on the web where the Copilot button appears. Problem: You see Copilot in Outlook and want it gone.Likely causes: The per-app Enable Copilot toggle is on, or Outlook is allowed to use connected experiences that analyze your content.Fix set: Turn Copilot off in Outlook Options, block connected

Applies to: Excel for Microsoft 365 on Windows (current channel), Excel for Mac (notes included), and Excel on devices where Copilot appears in the ribbon. Goal: Turn off Copilot in Excel—either just on this device/account or tenant-wide (admins). Interlinks below point to related Digital Citizen tutorials. Before you start Account type: Some options require an administrator (for org-wide control). Version note: Recent Excel builds

Applies to: Windows 10 version 22H2 (build 19045) where Copilot has been enabled by Microsoft. If you don’t see Copilot at all, it may not be available for your region/device or your organization may already have it turned off. Goal: Remove the Copilot button and prevent Copilot from launching on Windows 10—either on this device or across your organization. Before you start Account type:

If printing costs are creeping up, the quickest way to get control is to calculate your cost per page. This tells you exactly what you’re paying every time a sheet comes out of the printer and helps you compare models, cartridges, and paper types with real numbers. Why use it: You’ll know whether that “cheap” printer or cartridge is actually expensive to run, and

Tired of Copilot popping up? Use one of these quick methods. Works on Windows 11 23H2 and newer. Before you start Pro/Enterprise/Education: use Group Policy (fastest full disable). Home: use the Registry method. You’ll need an administrator account. Restart after changes. 1) Quick fix: hide the Copilot button (1 minute) Right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings. Under Taskbar items, switch Copilot to Off.

The Ruler sits above your document and (optionally) along the left edge in Print Layout view. Turn it on from the View tab. Before you start The Ruler only shows in Print Layout (not Read Mode). Switch views if you don’t see it. Vertical ruler is optional and controlled by a separate setting. Windows (Word for Microsoft 365/2021/2019) Open the document and go to

If your HP asks for a WPS PIN during Wi‑Fi setup, the code is generated by the printer, not printed on the router label. You create it from the printer’s wireless menu, and it expires after about 90 seconds. Use Push‑Button WPS if your router supports it and you don’t want a PIN. Before you start Know your Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and password

If a site isn’t working in Edge because a sign-in window or payment form never appears, a built-in pop-up blocker is usually the reason. Most issues are solved by allowing pop-ups for that specific site, checking your extensions, or clearing a conflicting setting. Below are safe ways to enable pop-ups—per-site is recommended so you don’t open the door to spammy windows. Before you start

The question mark (?) shares a key with the forward slash (/) on almost all English (US/UK) keyboards. It’s on the bottom row, to the right of the period (.) key. Press Shift + / to type ?. Before you start Most PC and Mac keyboards place ? on the same key as /. Laptops and compact (60%/75%) boards use the same position. If

Macros are blocked by default in Excel because they can run code that affects your files. If your trusted spreadsheet needs macros, you can enable them safely using one of the options below. The quickest fixes are allowing macros for the current file, adding a trusted location, or changing Trust Center settings when you understand the risks. Before you start Save a backup of

If you’re trying to sign in to Outlook using a QR code, here’s the catch: Outlook itself doesn’t show a QR code. The QR code lives on your Microsoft account security page (shown in a browser on your computer) and is scanned with the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. Once that’s done, you just add the same account to Outlook—no QR inside Outlook

Find it on the taskbar Windows 11: the Windows icon is centered on the taskbar (you can move it left in Taskbar settings). Windows 10: the Windows icon is at the bottom-left of the taskbar. Open Start Click the Windows icon. Press Windows key (⊞). No Windows key? Press Ctrl + Esc. If you can’t see Start Hover at the bottom edge to reveal

Blurring hides what’s behind you so people focus on you. Most issues happen when Effects and avatars is missing, camera permission isn’t granted, or org policy blocks effects. The fix: turn your camera on, open Effects and avatars, choose Blur, and apply. Before you start Use the desktop or web app for full controls; mobile supports blur, too. Good lighting improves edge detection around

You can remove a chat from your Chat list, delete your own messages, or leave a group chat. Most issues happen when people try to “erase the whole conversation for everyone” (not possible) or when org policies block deletion. The fix: use Delete chat (removes it from your view only), Hide if you just want it out of sight, or Leave for noisy group

Scheduling keeps everyone aligned and adds the call to their calendars automatically. Most issues happen when people use Meet now instead of a scheduled invite, forget to make it recurring, or don’t set the right meeting options. The fix: start from Calendar, fill in attendees, date/time, and adjust Meeting options before you send. Before you start Use the desktop or web app for full

Recording helps people who couldn’t attend and creates a reference you can share later. Most issues happen because the Record option is missing, the wrong role is assigned (attendee vs presenter), or org policy disables recording. The fix: confirm permissions, use the More (⋯) menu on the meeting toolbar, and choose Record and transcribe → Start recording. Before you start You need permission to

Background effects reduce distractions and protect privacy. Most issues occur when Effects and avatars is missing or when custom images are blocked by policy. Before you start Desktop app recommended; mobile supports blur and select images. IT policy may restrict custom backgrounds. Good lighting helps the effect look natural. Presenting content? Review how to share your screen in Teams and consider Do Not Disturb

Teams brings together chat, meetings, calls, and files. Most first-time issues come from not knowing where things live or which role (organizer vs attendee) you have. Follow these basics to get productive fast. Before you start Sign in with your work or school account (Teams Free works too). Desktop or web app recommended; mobile mirrors most tasks. If IT manages your org, some options

Sharing your screen helps you present slides, demo software, or troubleshoot together. Most issues happen when attendees don’t have permission to share, computer sound isn’t included, or macOS screen recording permissions are missing. The fix: make sure you’re a presenter, choose what to share (screen, window, or tab/PowerPoint), and turn on computer sound when needed. Before you start Role matters: organizers and presenters can

Muting keeps meetings clean and notifications quiet. Most confusion comes from mixing up mic mute (your audio) with chat/channel mute (notifications). The fixes below cover both, plus how organizers can mute others. Before you start You need the Teams desktop app or web app for full controls; mobile has similar options. In meetings, only organizers and presenters can mute others. Shortcut highlights: Ctrl+Shift+M (Windows)