check before: 2025-05-01
Product:
Intune, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft SharePoint Online now supports requesting eSignatures directly from Word documents without converting to PDF first. Rolling out globally from late May to August 2025, users must enable SharePoint’s native eSignature service and apply a group policy to access this feature via the Word Desktop Insert ribbon.
Details:
Updated August 7, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Currently, SharePoint eSignature includes the capability to request eSignatures from a PDF using Microsoft's native eSignature service. With this update, users will also be able to create eSignature requests from Microsoft Word documents without the need to create a PDF.
The rollout may take several weeks for some regions. Check the regional availability here.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 486707.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late May 2025 and expect to complete by late August 2025 (previously late July).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Current Channel
Created:
2025-04-22
updated:
2025-08-08
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
If the eSignature feature is rolled out without proper user training and communication, users may struggle to utilize the new functionality effectively, leading to confusion and frustration.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486707
Increased Support Tickets
The lack of preparation and user awareness regarding the new eSignature feature may result in a surge of support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new process.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486707
Configutation Options**
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explanation for non-techies**
Imagine you are managing a team and need to get a contract signed quickly. Traditionally, you might print the document, sign it, scan it, and send it back. This can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Now, think of Microsoft SharePoint Online's new feature as a digital assistant that simplifies this process.
With the updated SharePoint eSignature feature, you can request electronic signatures directly from a Word document without first converting it to a PDF. This is like having a virtual assistant who automatically prepares the document for signing and sends it out to the necessary parties. The process is streamlined, saving you time and reducing the hassle of dealing with multiple file formats.
When you request an eSignature, the system creates a PDF version of your Word document and sends a link to the signers. It's like sending a secure, virtual envelope that only the intended recipient can open and sign. The original Word document remains untouched, ensuring your data's integrity and security.
Once the document is signed, the signed PDF is saved in the same location as the original Word document. This is similar to having a filing cabinet where all related documents are stored together, making it easy to find everything you need in one place.
To use this feature, your organization needs to enable SharePoint's native eSignature service and apply a specific group policy. Think of this as setting up a new tool in your office that everyone can use once it's configured. It's a one-time setup that provides ongoing benefits.
Overall, this new feature in SharePoint Online is designed to make the process of getting documents signed more efficient and secure, much like having a reliable assistant who handles the paperwork for you.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-08-08 | MC Last Updated | 07/02/2025 18:11:13 | 2025-08-07T15:44:20Z |
| 2025-08-08 | MC Messages | Updated July 2, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Currently, SharePoint eSignature includes the capability to request eSignatures from a PDF using Microsoft's native eSignature service. With this update, users will also be able to create eSignature requests from Microsoft Word documents without the need to create a PDF. The rollout may take several weeks for some regions. Check the regional availability here. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 486707. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late May 2025 and expect to complete by late July 2025 (previously early July). | Updated August 7, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Currently, SharePoint eSignature includes the capability to request eSignatures from a PDF using Microsoft's native eSignature service. With this update, users will also be able to create eSignature requests from Microsoft Word documents without the need to create a PDF. The rollout may take several weeks for some regions. Check the regional availability here. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 486707. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late May 2025 and expect to complete by late August 2025 (previously late July). |
| 2025-08-08 | MC Summary | Microsoft SharePoint Online eSignature for Microsoft Word will allow users to request eSignatures directly from Word documents without creating a PDF. The rollout starts in late May 2025 and completes by late July 2025. Users need SharePoint's native eSignature service enabled and a group policy applied. Check regional availability [here](https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview#regional-availability). | Microsoft SharePoint Online now supports requesting eSignatures directly from Word documents without converting to PDF first. Rolling out globally from late May to August 2025, users must enable SharePoint’s native eSignature service and apply a group policy to access this feature via the Word Desktop Insert ribbon. |
| 2025-08-08 | MC End Time | 09/08/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-10-06T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-08-08 | MC prepare | This capability is only available to users if the native SharePoint eSignature service is enabled and a group policy is applied.
Enable SharePoint's native eSignature service: Overview of SharePoint eSignature. When this rollout is available: * Ensure the Word option is toggled On for your tenant in the Microsoft admin center. * Apply the Group Policy Allow the use of SharePoint eSignature for Microsoft Word to enable Word users to access the feature. * The policy can be acquired and deployed via the standard methods of the Cloud Policy Service, Microsoft Intune, and Group Policy Manager. 3. Inform users of the new eSignature experience available in Word. https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486707 | This capability is only available to users if the native SharePoint eSignature service is enabled and a group policy is applied.
Enable SharePoint's native eSignature service: Overview of SharePoint eSignature. When this rollout is available: * Ensure the Word option is toggled On for your tenant in the Microsoft admin center. * Apply the Group Policy Allow the use of SharePoint eSignature for Microsoft Word to enable Word users to access the feature. * The policy can be acquired and deployed via the standard methods of the Cloud Policy Service, Microsoft Intune, and Group Policy Manager. 3. Inform users of the new eSignature experience available in Word. https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview#regional-availability https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486707 |
| 2025-07-03 | MC prepare | This capability is only available to users if the native SharePoint eSignature service is enabled and a group policy is applied.
Enable SharePoint's native eSignature service: Overview of SharePoint eSignature. When this rollout is available: * Ensure the Word option is toggled On for your tenant in the Microsoft admin center. * Apply the Group Policy Allow the use of SharePoint eSignature for Microsoft Word to enable Word users to access the feature. * The policy can be acquired and deployed via the standard methods of the Cloud Policy Service, Microsoft Intune, and Group Policy Manager. 3. Inform users of the new eSignature experience available in Word. https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview#regional-availability https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486707 | This capability is only available to users if the native SharePoint eSignature service is enabled and a group policy is applied.
Enable SharePoint's native eSignature service: Overview of SharePoint eSignature. When this rollout is available: * Ensure the Word option is toggled On for your tenant in the Microsoft admin center. * Apply the Group Policy Allow the use of SharePoint eSignature for Microsoft Word to enable Word users to access the feature. * The policy can be acquired and deployed via the standard methods of the Cloud Policy Service, Microsoft Intune, and Group Policy Manager. 3. Inform users of the new eSignature experience available in Word. https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486707 |
| 2025-07-03 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-07-03 | MC Summary | SharePoint eSignature will soon allow users to request eSignatures directly from Microsoft Word documents without converting them to PDFs first. This feature will roll out globally from late May to early July 2025. Users need SharePoint's native eSignature service enabled and appropriate group policies applied. | Microsoft SharePoint Online eSignature for Microsoft Word will allow users to request eSignatures directly from Word documents without creating a PDF. The rollout starts in late May 2025 and completes by late July 2025. Users need SharePoint's native eSignature service enabled and a group policy applied. Check regional availability [here](https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/syntex/esignature-overview#regional-availability). |
| 2025-07-03 | MC Last Updated | 04/22/2025 01:41:28 | 2025-07-02T18:11:13Z |
| 2025-07-03 | MC Messages | Currently, SharePoint eSignature includes the capability to request eSignatures from a PDF using Microsoft's native eSignature service. With this update, users will also be able to create eSignature requests from Microsoft Word documents without the need to create a PDF.
The rollout may take several weeks for some regions. Check the regional availability here. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 486707. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late May 2025 and expect to complete by early July 2025. | Updated July 2, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Currently, SharePoint eSignature includes the capability to request eSignatures from a PDF using Microsoft's native eSignature service. With this update, users will also be able to create eSignature requests from Microsoft Word documents without the need to create a PDF. The rollout may take several weeks for some regions. Check the regional availability here. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 486707. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late May 2025 and expect to complete by late July 2025 (previously early July). |
| 2025-07-03 | MC Title | Microsoft SharePoint Online eSignature for Microsoft Word | (Updated) Microsoft SharePoint Online eSignature for Microsoft Word |
| 2025-07-03 | MC End Time | 08/25/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-09-08T09:00:00Z |
Last updated 2 months ago ago
