check before: 2025-12-01
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 suite
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
A new Search box will be added to the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint app home pages by March 2026, enabling quick file search with dynamic suggestions. The feature is enabled by default, respects existing permissions, requires no admin changes, and no user action is needed.
Details:
[Introduction]
We are improving how users find their files on the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint app home pages by adding a Search box in the page header. This change helps users locate files more quickly with file suggestions shown as users click or type in the box.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Rollout began in late December 2025 and is expected to complete by March 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-03-17
updated:
2026-03-17
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Search Functionality Improvement
The introduction of a new Search box may lead to confusion among users who are accustomed to the previous navigation methods, potentially causing temporary inefficiencies in file retrieval until users adapt to the new feature.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/12/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-december-2025/
User Experience with Dynamic Suggestions
Dynamic suggestions in the Search box may overwhelm some users, especially those who are not tech-savvy, leading to frustration and decreased productivity as they learn to navigate the new feature.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/12/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-december-2025/
Configutation Options**
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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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