Microsoft Kills Off Smart Lookup Feature in Word as It Pushes Copilot
Microsoft Retires a Helpful Feature
In a support document spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft reveals that the Smart Lookup feature has been retired as of January 1, 2025. In the past, right-clicking on certain words in Microsoft Word displayed a "Search" command in the menu. Selecting that command would run an online search to help you learn more about the word you selected.
The "Search" Option Still Exists, but It’s Broken
The "Search" option still exists, and selecting it still opens the Search pane on the right. However, instead of running an actual search, Word just tells you that something went wrong and advises you to please try again. Trying again just results in the same error. It seems Microsoft can’t even properly remove a feature like this without creating confusion.
Is Copilot to Blame?
Why would the company retire such a useful and helpful option? The answer lies in one word: Copilot. Microsoft has been aggressively pushing its AI tool to customers as the one-stop solution to all their questions and requests. So, why keep a feature like Smart Lookup around when Copilot is here to save the day?
The Rise of Copilot
Copilot has already been available as standalone Windows and Mac programs, as mobile apps for iOS and Android, and as a sidebar in Edge. But Microsoft recently went a step further by forcing Copilot into its Microsoft 365 suite. Those of you who subscribe to Microsoft 365 Family or Personal will now notice a Copilot icon in the left margin, accompanied by an annoying message to "Draft with Copilot."
The Cost of Copilot
With the new Copilot feature comes an unexpected price increase that will kick in at your next renewal date. US subscribers to Microsoft 365 Personal will end up paying $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month, up from $69.99 per year or $6.99 per month. Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Family will eventually have to shell out $129.99 per year or $12.99 per month, up from $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month.
What You Can Do
You can remove Copilot from Word and switch back to a classic non-Copilot plan, though Microsoft doesn’t make it easy. Otherwise, I’m sure the company is hoping that removing tools like Smart Lookup will cause more people to keep Copilot and turn to the AI when they need help in a document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the Smart Lookup feature in Microsoft Word?
A: Microsoft retired the Smart Lookup feature as of January 1, 2025.
Q: Why did Microsoft retire the Smart Lookup feature?
A: Microsoft is promoting its AI tool, Copilot, as the primary solution for users’ questions and requests. It’s likely that the company wants to encourage users to adopt Copilot instead of keeping the Smart Lookup feature.
Q: Is there a replacement for the Smart Lookup feature?
A: No, there is no direct replacement for the Smart Lookup feature. However, you can use the "Search" option in Microsoft Word to access online search results.
Q: How do I remove Copilot from Microsoft Word?
A: You can remove Copilot from Microsoft Word, but Microsoft doesn’t make it easy. You may need to switch to a classic non-Copilot plan or use a third-party tool to remove Copilot.
