MC1093235 – (Updated) Text Prediction turned off by default in Outlook (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Android, iOS, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Text Prediction will be turned off by default in Outlook starting July 1, 2025. This affects New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and new users on Outlook for iOS and Android. Users can manually re-enable it in settings. Admins should inform users about this change.

Details:
Updated July 17, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
We're updating the default setting for the Text Prediction feature in Outlook to improve user control and reduce unintended suggestions. This change affects New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and Outlook for iOS and Android.
[When this will happen:]
This change will begin rolling out on July 1, 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-06-13

updated:
2025-07-18

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 Predictive Text Functionality
Users will not receive predictive text suggestions while composing emails, potentially leading to slower email composition and increased frustration.
   - roles: End Users, Customer Support Agents
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/text-prediction-turned-off-by-default-in-outlook/ba-p/123456

Increased User Support Requests
With the change, users may require assistance to re-enable the Text Prediction feature, leading to an increase in support tickets and workload for IT support teams.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/07/01/text-prediction-in-outlook/

User Experience Disruption
The sudden change in default settings may disrupt the user experience, as users accustomed to predictive text will have to adjust to its absence.
   - roles: End Users, Product Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/07/01/text-prediction-in-outlook/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

User Training and Support
With the Text Prediction feature being turned off by default, there is an opportunity to enhance user training and support materials to help users understand how to enable this feature if they wish to use it. This could improve user experience by ensuring they are aware of the functionality available to them.
   - next-steps: Develop and distribute training materials (videos, guides) that explain how to enable Text Prediction. Schedule training sessions or webinars for users to address questions and provide assistance.
   - roles: IT Support, Training Coordinators, User Experience Teams
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-text-predictions-in-outlook-5c99f7c1-6b68-4e0c-bcd2-3b9b5c5d6a2e

Feedback Mechanism Implementation
Implementing a feedback mechanism to gather user insights on the Text Prediction feature can provide valuable information on user satisfaction and areas for improvement. This could lead to better feature enhancements in the future.
   - next-steps: Create a survey or feedback form that users can fill out regarding their experience with Text Prediction. Analyze the feedback to inform future IT initiatives and feature updates.
   - roles: Product Managers, User Experience Teams, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/05/04/introducing-microsoft-365-feedback-tool/

Communication Strategy Enhancement
This change presents an opportunity to enhance the communication strategy regarding feature updates in Microsoft 365. By effectively communicating changes, users can better adapt to new settings and utilize features more effectively.
   - next-steps: Develop a communication plan that includes email notifications, intranet updates, and FAQ sections to inform users about the Text Prediction change and how to re-enable it. Ensure that communication is clear and accessible.
   - roles: Communications Teams, IT Administrators, User Support Teams
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/05/25/effective-communication-in-the-digital-age/

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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