check before: 2026-01-31
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Update Microsoft 365 Office apps to version higher than 16.0.18827.20202 by January 2026 (March 2026 for GCC/GCC High/DoD) to maintain Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features, which will stop working on older versions after these dates.
Details:
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 January 2026. When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): End of January 2026
General Availability (GCC, GCC High, DoD) End of March 2026
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-08-02
updated:
2025-08-02
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**
Microsoft is upgrading the backend service for Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features in Microsoft 365 Office apps, requiring users to update to a version higher than 16.0.18827.20202 by January 2026 to maintain functionality.
Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Read Aloud Feature
Users will lose access to the Read Aloud feature in Microsoft 365 Office apps if not updated, impacting their ability to listen to documents.
- roles: End Users, Content Creators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/listen-to-your-word-documents-5a2de7f3-1ef4-4795-b24e-64fc2731b001
Loss of Transcription Feature
Transcription capabilities will be unavailable for users on outdated versions, affecting their ability to transcribe recordings.
- roles: End Users, Transcriptionists
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/transcribe-your-recordings-7fc2efec-245e-45f0-b053-2a97531ecf57
Loss of Dictation Feature
Users will not be able to use the Dictation feature, hindering their productivity and efficiency in document creation.
- roles: End Users, Writers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/dictate-your-documents-in-word-3876e05f-3fcc-418f-b8ab-db7ce0d11d3c
User Frustration and Decreased Productivity
Users may experience frustration and decreased productivity due to the sudden loss of key features, leading to potential delays in work.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references:
Increased Support Requests
The organization may face an increase in support requests from users experiencing issues due to outdated software, straining IT resources.
- roles: IT Support, Helpdesk Staff
- references:
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Accessibility Features
Upgrading to the latest version of Microsoft 365 Office apps will ensure that users can continue to utilize advanced accessibility features such as Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation. This is particularly beneficial for users with disabilities or those who prefer auditory learning, thereby enhancing overall user experience and productivity.
- next-steps: Conduct a survey to identify users who rely on these features and schedule training sessions on how to utilize them effectively post-update.
- roles: Accessibility Coordinator, Training Manager, IT Support Team
- 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, https://support.microsoft.com/office/listen-to-your-word-documents-5a2de7f3-1ef4-4795-b24e-64fc2731b001
Improved Collaboration and Communication
With the updated Microsoft 365 Office apps, users will have access to the latest collaboration tools, improving real-time communication and teamwork. This can lead to increased efficiency in project management and task completion across departments.
- next-steps: Organize workshops to demonstrate the new collaboration features and how they can be integrated into daily workflows.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Collaboration Specialists
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/transcribe-your-recordings-7fc2efec-245e-45f0-b053-2a97531ecf57
Streamlined IT Management
Updating to the latest version of Microsoft 365 Office apps can simplify IT management by reducing the number of support tickets related to outdated features. It can also enhance security and compliance with the latest updates and patches.
- next-steps: Review current IT support ticket trends related to Office apps and prepare a plan for the update rollout to minimize disruption during the transition.
- roles: IT Administrators, Help Desk Support, Compliance Officers
- 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
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 5 months ago ago
