MC1108849 – (Updated) 3rd party citation add-in in Word reference tab (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
A new entry under Word's References tab will show third-party citation tools alongside the default tool, aiding users with formatting styles like APA and MLA. Rollout starts early July 2025 and completes by late August. The feature is on by default and needs no admin setup.

Details:
Updated July 30, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing a new contextual entry point under the References tab in Word that helps users discover third-party citation tools alongside the default Word citation functionality. This update is designed to support users who are familiar with citation principles but need help navigating specific formatting styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago.
By surfacing both first-party and third-party options, users can quickly onboard to built-in tools or explore additional solutions that best fit their needs.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rollout is expected to complete by early July 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC-High, DoD): Rollout will begin early July 2025 and is expected to complete by late August 2025 (previously late July).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-07-04

updated:
2025-07-31

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**

User Confusion
Users may be overwhelmed by the presence of multiple citation tools, leading to confusion about which tool to use for their specific needs, potentially resulting in incorrect citations.
   - roles: End Users, Content Creators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/07/30/introducing-new-citation-tools-in-word/

Compliance Issues
Organizations with specific compliance requirements may face challenges if users inadvertently use third-party citation tools that do not align with internal policies, leading to potential legal or academic repercussions.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/07/30/introducing-new-citation-tools-in-word/

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Word is getting an update that will make it easier for users to handle citations, which are the references to sources used in documents. Imagine Word as a toolbox. Up until now, it had a built-in hammer for citations, but now it's adding a few more hammers from different brands right next to it. These new hammers are third-party citation tools that will sit alongside Word's default tool under the References tab.

This change is particularly useful for those who need to format their citations in specific styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago. Think of it like having a GPS in your car. The built-in GPS works fine, but sometimes you might prefer using another app like Google Maps or Waze for different features or ease of use. Similarly, Word will now let you choose between its own citation tool and others, depending on what suits your needs best.

The rollout of this feature is scheduled to start in early July 2025 and finish by late August 2025. It will be available worldwide and will be automatically turned on, so there's no need for any setup or configuration by IT administrators. It's like getting a new app on your phone that you didn't have to download yourself; it just appears ready to use.

For organizations that use specific citation tools or have particular compliance requirements, it might be worth checking out these new options to ensure they meet your needs. Overall, this update aims to give users more flexibility and choice, making it easier to find the right tool for their citation tasks.