MC1127222 – (Updated) Please update Microsoft 365 Office apps to a version higher than 16.0.18827.20202

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Online, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Update Microsoft 365 Office apps to version 16.0.18827.20202 or later by September 2026 (November 2026 for GCC/GCC High/DoD) to maintain Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features, which will stop working on earlier versions due to backend service upgrades.

Details:
Updated December 12, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
To ensure continued high-quality performance of the Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features in Microsoft 365 Office apps, we're upgrading the backend service that powers these capabilities. As a result, these features will no longer function on Office clients running versions earlier than 16.0.18827.20202 after September 2026.
We are extending the supporting period for customers to prepare and upgrade to the supported version. Here is the updated timeline:
General Availability (Worldwide): End of September 2026 (previously end of January)
General Availability (GCC, GCC High, DoD): End of November 2026 (previously end of March)

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-02

updated:
2025-12-18

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Key Features
Users will lose access to Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features if not updated, impacting productivity and accessibility.
   - roles: End Users, Content Creators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/dictate-your-documents-in-word-3876e05f-3fcc-418f-b8ab-db7ce0d11d3c, https://support.microsoft.com/office/listen-to-your-word-documents-5a2de7f3-1ef4-4795-b24e-64fc2731b001

User Frustration
Users may experience frustration and decreased satisfaction due to the sudden loss of functionality, leading to potential resistance to future updates.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/transcribe-your-recordings-7fc2efec-245e-45f0-b053-2a97531ecf57

Increased Support Tickets
IT support may see an increase in tickets related to missing features, diverting resources from other critical tasks.
   - roles: IT Support, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/dictate-your-documents-in-word-3876e05f-3fcc-418f-b8ab-db7ce0d11d3c " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/dictate-your-documents-in-word-3876e05f-3fcc-418f-b8ab-db7ce0d11d3c

Training Needs
Users may require additional training to adapt to the updated features, leading to increased time and resource allocation for training sessions.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/listen-to-your-word-documents-5a2de7f3-1ef4-4795-b24e-64fc2731b001

Compliance Risks
If users are unable to utilize transcription features, it may lead to compliance risks in documentation and record-keeping processes.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, End Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/transcribe-your-recordings-7fc2efec-245e-45f0-b053-2a97531ecf57

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhancing Accessibility Features
By upgrading to the latest version of Microsoft 365 Office apps, users will retain access to improved accessibility features such as Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation. This is particularly beneficial for users with disabilities or those who prefer auditory learning methods.
   - next-steps: Communicate the importance of these features to all users, emphasizing the benefits for accessibility. Provide training sessions on how to utilize these features effectively after the upgrade.
   - roles: Accessibility Coordinator, Training Manager, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/dictate-your-documents-in-word-3876e05f-3fcc-418f-b8ab-db7ce0d11d3c, https://support.microsoft.com/office/listen-to-your-word-documents-5a2de7f3-1ef4-4795-b24e-64fc2731b001

Improving User Productivity
The updated version of Microsoft 365 Office apps includes enhanced performance and features that can significantly improve user productivity. Features like Dictation and Transcription can streamline documentation processes, saving time and reducing manual entry errors.
   - next-steps: Conduct a survey to identify key productivity pain points among users. Based on feedback, create a plan to promote the use of new features post-upgrade.
   - roles: Productivity Analyst, Operations Manager, Team Leaders
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/transcribe-your-recordings-7fc2efec-245e-45f0-b053-2a97531ecf57

Reducing IT Support Queries
By ensuring all users are on the latest version, the organization can reduce the number of support queries related to feature access and functionality. Users on outdated versions may experience issues that require IT intervention, which can be mitigated by upgrading.
   - next-steps: Implement a monitoring system to track the version of Microsoft 365 Office apps in use across the organization. Schedule regular updates and reminders for users to upgrade before the deadline.
   - roles: IT Support Manager, System Administrator, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/listen-to-your-word-documents-5a2de7f3-1ef4-4795-b24e-64fc2731b001

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 Office apps are getting an upgrade to ensure that features like Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation continue to work smoothly. Think of it like updating the software on your smartphone to access the latest apps and features. If your Office apps are running on a version lower than 16.0.18827.20202, these features will stop working after September 2026. For special government versions, the deadline is November 2026.

Imagine your office building is undergoing renovations to improve facilities. If you don't update your keycard, you might not be able to access certain areas. Similarly, if the Office apps aren't updated, users won't be able to use these specific features.

To avoid any disruptions, make sure that all the Office apps in your organization are updated to the specified version or later before the deadline. This will ensure that everyone can continue using Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation without any issues. There are resources available online to help you understand these features better and ensure a smooth transition.