September 6, 2026, 2:22 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Microsoft is switching the automatic text prediction in Word and Outlook to a new model. In the future, the feature will be disabled by default on all major platforms. This affects the desktop versions for Windows and macOS, the web versions, and the mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Users Saw More Distraction Than Benefit
The text prediction was originally intended to help users write faster. During typing, the software suggests possible words or phrases that can be directly adopted. These suggestions are based on AI-supported language models that analyze the context.
According to Microsoft, however, user feedback was predominantly critical, as the company reported. Many users found the suggestions distracting. Instead of speeding up the writing process, the pop-ups often interrupted the workflow.
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Feature Remains Available
The writing aid will not be completely removed. Those who wish to use text predictions can still activate them in the settings of Word or Outlook. Microsoft is thus switching from the previous opt-out to an opt-in principle.
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The company justifies the move by wanting to give users more control over their writing environment. At the same time, the settings are to be standardized across platforms.
Rollout Already Underway
The transition is being distributed gradually. In the web versions of Word and Outlook, the rollout has already begun. For locally installed applications, the change will take effect only with certain software versions.
Since Microsoft delivers updates in waves, it may take some time before the new default setting reaches all users.