Microsoft switches off functions in older Office versions
Certain functions will be removed from outdated Office 365 versions in the foreseeable future. This is due to a major update in the background.
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Microsoft has announced the end of certain functions in Microsoft Office 365 for those using outdated versions. It will no longer be possible to transcribe, dictate or have the program read text aloud, the software manufacturer announced in its Admin Center.
The read-aloud function is available in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and OneNote, while dictation and transcription are only possible in Word. From the end of January 2026, however, all this will only work if Microsoft 365 Office version 16.0.18827.20202 or higher is installed.
Admins should update
In Microsoft 365 environments of the Government Community Cloud (GCC), GCC High, and Department of Defense (DoD) variants, these functions will not require the corresponding versions until the end of March 2026. However, these environments are only intended for US authorities; DoD stands for the US Department of Defense.
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If necessary, administrators should update Office 365 in their organization to the required minimum version or higher, Microsoft advises. Otherwise, the functions will no longer be available after the specified deadlines. The reason for this is the update of an unspecified backend service that is required for the corresponding functions.
(nen)
