Microsoft backs down on Teams AI push — users can now turn off Copilot and Recap

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Microsoft Teams will now let users turn off its AI tools

Copilot, Facilitator and Intelligent recap all affected

Users will be able to pick and choose which AI tools they want on Teams

Microsoft has apparently backed down in plans to introduce a host of AI tools across Teams after it faced a major backlash from users.

In recent weeks, the company has revealed several new AI-powered Teams features it says will help boost user productivity and efficiency, offering the likes of catch-up tools, note-taking and even translation.

However, following an apparent fightback from users, the company says it will now offer a simple toggle to turn off its "Meeting AI" features on your calls.

Turn off AI in Microsoft Teams

The news was outlined in an admin center post , seemingly admitting the company might have overdone its AI expectations.

“Microsoft Teams will add an in-meeting toggle for licensed organizers and presenters to turn Meeting AI (Copilot, Facilitator, recap) on or off during live meetings,” the company said. “Rollout starts early July 2026, with no changes to existing compliance or licensing requirements.”

Microsoft also demonstrated what the feature might look like in a Teams meeting, with a screenshot showing a toggle to individually disable the likes of Copilot, Facilitator, and Intelligent recap - or turn off all tools at once.

The company also pointed out its Meeting AI tools will only show up after being cleared by your admins, so specific policy considerations will always be considered - and the toggle will not appear if Meeting AI is specifically turned off by policy.

(Image credit: Microsoft) The news comes shortly after Microsoft revealed Facilitator , a new AI-powered tool which will look to help better manage Teams calls, filling in any potential knowledge gaps which pop up during a meeting.

This has already led some observers to worry about the tool's privacy and security limits, however Microsoft noted it will need to be activated to listen and watch all of your meetings, so it knows when to interfere and chip in.

The toggle is rolling out now, and should complete by mid-July 2026, with Teams users across all devices, including Windows, macOS, mobile, and web, included.

Via WindowsLatest