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Start Task Button missing in Copilot

Joseph Zachariah 0 Reputation points
2026-05-13T00:01:40.5166667+00:00

Hello,

When using the Copilot to create a deck, the content outline is provided, but the Start Button to create the file is missing. Using this on SurfacePro 11. Attached is the screenshot of the same.

Screenshot attached for reference.

This is not the first time, after last update this started happening.. start button.png

Microsoft Copilot | Windows Copilot | App
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Joseph Zachariah 0 Reputation points
2026-05-14T15:09:47.3533333+00:00

I had to resinstall Copolit and the issue got resolved.. the task button appeared!! Thanks for the community help!!

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  1. Vikki-T 5,725 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-13T09:34:48.2433333+00:00

    Hello Joseph Zachariah, 

    I understand that Copilot is able to prepare the presentation outline, but the option to continue creating the file is not showing in the Windows Copilot app. That can definitely make the flow confusing, especially when the deck content has already been generated. 

    At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

    To help narrow this down, could you please confirm the following? 

    • Are you using a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account? 
    • If this is a work/school account, does the account have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license assigned? 
    • Does the same issue happen with every request to create a PowerPoint deck, or only with this specific prompt? 
    • Have you tested the same prompt from https://copilot.microsoft.com or from PowerPoint with Copilot? 
    • What is the Microsoft Copilot app version installed on the device? 

    In the meantime, please try the steps below and check whether the Start/Create/Generate action appears again. 

    1. Start a new Copilot conversation 
    • Open a new chat in Copilot. 
    • Enter the same deck creation request again. 
    • When Copilot provides the outline, check whether the action card appears this time. 
    1. Repair or reset the Copilot app 
    • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. 
    • Find Microsoft Copilot. 
    • Select Advanced options. 
    • Select Repair first. 
    • Open Copilot and test again. 
    • If the issue remains, go back to the same page and select Reset, then test again. 
    1. Test from Copilot on the web or PowerPoint 
    • Go to https://copilot.microsoft.com and sign in with the same account. 
    • Try the same deck creation prompt. 
    • If you have Copilot in PowerPoint, open PowerPoint and try creating the presentation from there. 
    • Please let me know whether the Start/Create/Generate action appears in either place. 

    While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding.  

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-13T00:01:56.7766667+00:00

    The behavior matches a class of issues where Copilot UI elements or actions are missing or disabled after an update, even though the initial Copilot experience (like the outline) still appears.

    Use the following steps in order; after each major step, retry the “Create a deck” flow and check whether the Start (or equivalent create) button reappears.

    1. Confirm the correct Copilot/Microsoft 365 account
      • In any Microsoft 365 app (for example, PowerPoint or Word), go to File > Account.
      • Verify that the primary account shown at the top is the one that has the Copilot license.
      • If signed in with multiple accounts (work/school + personal), sign out of the non‑licensed account and ensure the Copilot‑licensed account is primary.
      • If needed, close and reopen the app after adjusting accounts.
    2. Refresh the Microsoft 365 license
      • In any Microsoft 365 app, go to File > Account.
      • Select Update License.
      • Close all Microsoft 365 apps, then reopen and test Copilot again.
    3. Ensure apps are fully updated
      • On Windows, install the latest Office/Microsoft 365 updates as described in Install Office updates.
      • After updating, restart the device and test Copilot again.
    4. Check update channel (business tenants)
      • Open any Microsoft 365 app, go to File > Account.
      • In Product Information, check the update channel.
      • If it shows Semi‑Annual Enterprise Channel, Copilot features can be unavailable or incomplete.
      • Work with the Microsoft 365 admin or help desk to move the device to Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. Until then, use the web versions of the apps (for example, PowerPoint on Microsoft365.com) where Copilot should be fully available.
    5. Verify privacy/connected experiences settings
      • Open any Microsoft 365 app, go to File > Account.
      • Under Account Privacy, select Manage Settings.
      • Ensure Experiences that analyze your content is turned on.
      • Scroll down and ensure All connected experiences is turned on.
      • Restart the app and test Copilot again.
    6. If Copilot is still partially missing
      • The issue can be caused by tenant‑level or app‑level policies (for example, Copilot or specific Copilot experiences being blocked in Teams or Microsoft 365 apps) or by a corrupted local installation.
      • Contact the organization’s Microsoft 365 admin to:
        • Confirm Copilot is not blocked by any policy for the user/device.
        • Confirm the Copilot app or related agents are Available (not blocked) for the user in Teams or Copilot admin settings.
      • If everything is correctly configured and the issue persists only on this device, a full Office repair or re‑image of Windows has resolved similar “button missing/greyed out” Copilot issues in other cases.

    If multiple users in the same tenant see the missing Start button after a recent update, the admin should open a support ticket with Microsoft, referencing that Copilot UI elements are missing after an update even though licensing and channels are correct.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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