Is your Copilot running slow? Learn how to speed it up with practical fixes, performance tips, and advanced troubleshooting steps.
What Is the Copilot Running Slow Issue?
If you’ve ever used Microsoft Copilot and noticed it taking longer than usual to respond, generate content, or complete tasks, you’ve likely experienced the Copilot running slow issue. This is one of the most common complaints among users across Word, Excel, Teams, and other integrated Microsoft 365 tools. Sometimes it feels like Copilot is stuck “thinking,” or it lags after every prompt—even simple ones.
This issue doesn’t always mean something is broken. Often, it’s the result of background processes, internet delays, outdated systems, or overworked memory. Still, it can be disruptive, especially if you depend on Copilot for real-time suggestions, fast summarizations, or generating documents efficiently.
Let’s take a look at why this matters:
- 🕒 Reduces Productivity: When responses lag, your workflow slows down significantly.
- 🔄 Disrupts Real-Time Collaboration: Teams or meeting summaries might not arrive on time.
- ⚙️ May Signal Underlying System Issues: Slow performance often means updates or fixes are needed.
- 📉 Leads to User Frustration: When tools don’t respond quickly, confidence in their reliability drops.
- 🔍 Impacts User Experience Across Microsoft Apps: Whether it’s Excel, Word, or Loop, slowness affects them all.
Fortunately, this issue is often solvable. Let’s walk through the reasons and how you can fix them.
📚 Table of Contents
• 🔍 Most Common Causes of Copilot Running Slow
• 🛠️ How to Fix Copilot Running Slow
• 🧪 Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
• 💬 User Experiences
• ❓ FAQ – Copilot Running Slow
• 📚 Related Guides
🔍 Most Common Causes of Copilot Running Slow
Before jumping into the solutions, it helps to understand the usual causes. The slowdown could be caused by your local setup, Microsoft’s cloud services, or a mix of both.
Here are the most frequent reasons behind Copilot running slow:
| ⚠️ Problem Title | 💬 Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Copilot Response Time Delay | Copilot may take time processing your prompt, especially during peak hours. |
| ⚙️ System Resource Limitations | Not enough RAM or CPU power can slow down Copilot performance. |
| 🔄 Outdated Office or Teams App | Older app versions lack recent performance optimizations. |
| 🌐 Internet Speed or Stability | Copilot relies on real-time cloud access; slow networks delay processing. |
| 🧠 Microsoft Copilot Lagging Issue | Lag may occur due to regional cloud traffic congestion or temporary outages. |
| 📁 Large or Complex Files | Copilot takes longer to analyze big documents or spreadsheets. |
| 🧩 Background Applications Using Memory | Other apps can compete for resources and make Copilot slower. |
| 📦 Improper Copilot Setup | Missing settings or updates could prevent optimal performance. |
| 🔧 Conflicting Add-ins or Extensions | Add-ins can conflict with Copilot scripts, slowing things down. |
| 🧪 Account Sync or Token Delay | Delays in account verification may stall prompt responses. |
🛠️ How to Fix Copilot Running Slow
You don’t need advanced technical knowledge to improve Copilot performance. Below are clear and effective solutions designed for users of all experience levels.
These steps should help resolve the issue and speed things up in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and more.
1. 🔁 Restart Your Device and Apps
🧠 Why it works:
Refreshing the system helps free up memory and clears minor glitches.
📌 How to do it:
• Save all work and restart your device
• Reopen Microsoft 365 apps
• Test Copilot again for response time
2. 🧠 Update Microsoft Office or Teams
🧠 Why it works:
Performance improvements and bug fixes are released frequently.
📌 How to do it:
• Open any Microsoft 365 app
• Go to File > Account > Update Options
• Click “Update Now” and restart after installation
3. 🌐 Improve Internet Connection
🧠 Why it works:
A slow or unstable connection causes delays in Copilot responses.
📌 How to do it:
• Restart your modem/router
• Use a wired connection if possible
• Aim for at least 10–15 Mbps for smooth use
4. ⚙️ Close Unnecessary Background Programs
🧠 Why it works:
Other apps may compete for CPU and RAM, slowing down Copilot.
📌 How to do it:
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
• Close apps you’re not actively using
• Focus on resource-heavy programs like browsers or design tools
5. 📁 Break Large Files into Sections
🧠 Why it works:
Copilot needs time to scan large documents. Smaller files load faster.
📌 How to do it:
• Split lengthy reports or spreadsheets into smaller sections
• Use Copilot on a section-by-section basis
• Recombine content later
6. 🧩 Disable Unused Add-ins
🧠 Why it works:
Some Office add-ins can conflict with or slow down Copilot.
📌 How to do it:
• Go to File > Options > Add-Ins
• Click “Manage” and select “COM Add-ins”
• Uncheck unused add-ins and restart the app
7. 🛠️ Check Copilot Settings
🧠 Why it works:
Some environments allow control over how Copilot operates.
📌 How to do it:
• Open Copilot
• Click Settings or gear icon
• Review options that may influence performance
8. 🧪 Improve Copilot Performance via Manual Prompting
🧠 Why it works:
Simpler prompts are processed faster and reduce lag.
📌 How to do it:
• Break down complex instructions into shorter, direct prompts
• Avoid overly detailed or multi-step tasks
• Wait for completion before adding more instructions
9. 📦 Use Microsoft Edge for Copilot Web Versions
🧠 Why it works:
Edge is optimized for Microsoft cloud tools and runs Copilot more efficiently.
📌 How to do it:
• Go to office.com
• Open apps like Word or Teams in Edge
• Test Copilot there to compare performance
10. 🔄 Re-sign Into Microsoft 365
🧠 Why it works:
Expired tokens or slow syncs can cause delayed Copilot responses.
📌 How to do it:
• Sign out of your Microsoft 365 account
• Close all apps
• Re-sign in and test Copilot again
🧪 Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
If the standard methods haven’t improved performance, try these advanced techniques. These solutions are intended for users comfortable making changes to system settings or working in administrative environments.
1. 🔐 Disable VPN or Proxy Connections
🧠 Why it works:
VPNs and proxies can slow down cloud communication and introduce delays.
📌 How to do it:
• Open your network settings
• Disable VPN or proxy services
• Restart your app and monitor Copilot’s speed
2. 🌐 Change DNS to a Faster Server
🧠 Why it works:
Using public DNS can speed up resolution of Microsoft cloud services.
📌 How to do it:
• Go to your network adapter settings
• Change DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1
• Save and reboot
3. 🔍 Review Task Manager Performance Tab
🧠 Why it works:
You can monitor live CPU and RAM usage while Copilot is active.
📌 How to do it:
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
• Click “Performance” tab
• Look for resource spikes when Copilot is used
4. 🧪 Reinstall Microsoft Office
🧠 Why it works:
A clean install can resolve persistent slowdowns caused by file corruption.
📌 How to do it:
• Uninstall Microsoft 365 via Control Panel
• Reboot your device
• Download and reinstall from Microsoft.com
5. 🧭 Check Azure AD Sync and Performance
🧠 Why it works:
Slow account syncing affects how Copilot loads and processes data.
📌 How to do it:
• Log into Microsoft 365 Admin Center
• Navigate to Azure AD > Sign-in Logs
• Look for sync errors or sign-in delays
💬 User Experiences
I use Copilot for weekly reports, but it started running slow. Closing Chrome and restarting Teams made a big difference.
— Nadia, Operations Analyst
For me, it was the internet speed. Copilot works much faster now that I upgraded my connection and disabled my VPN.
— Alex, Content Strategist
My Copilot was sluggish in Word. I updated Office and removed some old add-ins—it’s working better than ever now.
— Samuel, Business Consultant
❓ FAQ – Copilot Running Slow
🕒 Why is Copilot running slow only in Teams?
• Teams relies heavily on cloud sync; check your internet and app version.
🔧 Can I speed up Copilot in Word or Excel?
• Yes—clear add-ins, update the app, and simplify documents.
🌐 Does internet speed affect Copilot performance?
• Absolutely. Cloud-based tools like Copilot depend on stable, high-speed connections.
⚙️ Are there settings to improve Copilot speed?
• In some apps, yes. Look for memory and background process settings.
📦 Is the slowness caused by my license?
• Most Copilot features work with the right license—but some may require enterprise access for optimal speed.
🧩 Do background apps slow down Copilot?
• Yes. Heavy apps (browsers, design tools) use resources Copilot needs.
🔄 Will restarting my computer help?
• Often, yes. A fresh session clears memory and resets resources.
🧪 What if the issue continues after all fixes?
• It may be a Microsoft Copilot lagging issue from their servers—wait and try again later.
🗣️ What Do You Think?
If your Copilot is running slow, don’t worry—it happens more often than you might think. With the steps above, you should see noticeable improvements in speed and responsiveness. Still stuck? Let us know in the comments and we’ll help you troubleshoot further.
📚 Related Guides
• Copilot Invalid Content Error
• Copilot System Error
• Copilot Freezing Or Not Responding
• Copilot Redirect Loop Error
📢 About the Author
At AIFixup, our team brings over 5 years of hands-on experience in conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing AI tools. Every piece of content you see on this platform is rooted in real-world expertise and a deep understanding of the AI landscape.
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