Microsoft is changing how Word and Outlook handle one of its most debated typing features. The text predictions feature — which attempts to predict the words and phrases you’re about to type — will now be turned off by default across both apps, according to Microsoft’s 365 Insider Blog.
How text predictions work — and why Microsoft is changing them
Text predictions appear as a row of suggested words or short phrases floating above your keyboard as you type. The idea is to save time: instead of spelling out a common word or a recurring phrase, you tap a suggestion to insert it. For years, Microsoft shipped this feature enabled by default in Word and Outlook, betting that most users would find it helpful.
But the feature has long been a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Some users lean on it to draft emails and documents faster. Others find the floating suggestions distracting — especially when the app guesses wrong and interrupts their thinking.
According to Microsoft, the company heard from both sides. “Some users appreciate the feature, while others find the suggestions distracting,” the company said, explaining that the new default lets people choose for themselves rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all behavior.
Which apps and platforms are affected
The change is broad. Microsoft confirmed it applies to Word across four platforms: Word for Windows, the Word web app, and the iOS and Android mobile apps. For email, it covers classic Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac.
Notably, the published list does not explicitly mention Outlook on iOS or Android. Microsoft said rollout timing and specifics would be communicated through the Microsoft 365 admin center and release notes, so IT admins managing a fleet should watch those channels for the precise scope and schedule.
What happens to existing users
One detail remains unclear. It is not yet known whether this change will override the setting for people who already turned text predictions on manually, or whether it only affects new installations and fresh profiles.
In practice, that distinction matters. If you’re an admin rolling out updates across many machines, or a power user who has deliberately enabled the feature, you’ll want to confirm the behavior once the rollout reaches your environment before assuming your setting has been flipped. As of now, Microsoft has not spelled out the answer.
How to turn text predictions back on
If you actually like the feature, the fix is simple: you can re-enable it yourself. With the prediction turned off by default, interested users can now go into the relevant Word or Outlook settings and switch text predictions back on manually.
Microsoft has not published the exact click path in the material covered so far, so the precise menu location may vary slightly by app and platform. In general, look for the text or typing options within the app’s settings or preferences, where the prediction toggle lives.
What this means for you
For the average Word and Outlook user, the practical upshot is a quieter, less cluttered typing experience out of the box. No more suggestions hovering over your keyboard that you have to manually dismiss or switch off.
That said, if you depend on text predictions to type faster, this change means an extra step the first time you open the app after the rollout. It’s a one-time toggle, but it’s worth knowing the feature is no longer on unless you turn it on.
How to get it
The change is rolling out as part of the standard Microsoft 365 update process. Microsoft said rollout timing will be communicated through the Microsoft 365 admin center and release notes, so keep an eye on those for the exact date your organization or account receives it.
For now, there’s nothing you need to install or action yourself beyond being aware of the shift. If you want the predictions back, enable them manually in settings; if you prefer a distraction-free editor, you’re already set.
Source: Computerworld
Over to you: Do you want text predictions back, or are you glad to see them gone by default?
