Word and Outlook: Microsoft disables text suggestions by default

Microsoft is changing the default settings for text prediction in Word and Outlook. The feature, which automatically suggests words or whole phrases as you type, will be disabled by default in future. However, anyone who wishes to continue using this feature can re-enable it manually.

Fewer distractions whilst writing

Text prediction is designed to speed up the writing of documents and emails. As you type, Microsoft 365 attempts to predict which words or phrases might come next. In Word, for example, you can accept a suitable suggestion using the Tab key or the right arrow key.

However, whilst some users find this useful, others find it annoying. Microsoft says it is responding to this user feedback and wants to give users more control over whether suggestions are displayed whilst they are typing.

For this reason, Microsoft is reversing its previous approach: rather than enabling text prediction by default and giving users the option to disable it, it will remain disabled by default in future.

Which versions are affected?

The change affects various versions of Word and Outlook and is being rolled out gradually. These include, amongst others:

• Word for Windows, version 2609 or later
• Classic Outlook for Windows, version 2608 and later
• Outlook for Mac, version 16.113 and later
• Word for Android from build 16.0.20326.20000 onwards
• Word for iOS, version 2.112 and later

Microsoft is also adjusting the default settings accordingly on other platforms. In certain mobile versions of Outlook, text prediction had already been disabled by default.

The aim is to standardise the behaviour of the function across different devices and platforms.

Text prediction does not disappear

This change does not mean that Microsoft is removing text prediction from Word and Outlook entirely. The feature will remain in place. It is simply the default setting that is changing.

Anyone who likes to use automatic suggestions can still enable them via the relevant settings. In Word, for example, the feature can be enabled via the text prediction settings. Corresponding options are also available in supported versions of Outlook.

Microsoft is thus turning a feature that was previously largely activated automatically into a more deliberate choice on the part of the user.

Text suggestions are not the same as Copilot

Furthermore, this change should not be confused with Microsoft Copilot. The traditional text prediction feature is a separate function. It attempts to predict, whilst you are typing, which words or phrases might follow.

Copilot’s generative AI capabilities go much further and can, for example, generate complete texts, summarise content or revise existing texts.

With this new default setting, Microsoft is not, therefore, moving away from AI-powered writing features in Microsoft 365. Rather, the aim is to make a relatively simple assistance feature less intrusive.

More control for users

This decision is likely to please, above all, users who find that automatically displayed suggestions tend to distract them rather than help them whilst writing. Instead of having to search for and disable the feature afterwards, they will now be presented with a less cluttered writing interface from the outset.

However, anyone who finds text prediction a useful tool will not lose access to this feature. It simply needs to be enabled manually.

Microsoft is thus taking a logical approach: automatic text suggestions remain available, but are no longer displayed to users by default.

Microsoft is not doing away with text suggestions in Word and Outlook. The company is simply changing the default setting. In future, text predictions will be disabled by default and will only appear if users enable the feature themselves. It’s a small change that can make a noticeable difference to your day-to-day writing.