Summary
Microsoft Word’s Similarity Checker will be retired on October 3, 2026, and removed from Microsoft Editor. Other writing and editing features, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, remain unaffected. Organizations should review workflows, inform users, and consider alternatives if needed. No action or compliance issues are required.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1466753
Last Modified: September 4, 2026
Category: Message Center
Tags: New feature, User impact, Admin impact, Major change
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: Microsoft 365 apps
Microsoft Message
We are retiring Similarity Checker in Microsoft Word on October 3, 2026. After the retirement date, Similarity Checker will no longer be available as part of the Microsoft Editor experience in Word.
This change allows us to focus on experiences and capabilities that are more broadly used across Microsoft Word.
Rollout schedule
Worldwide, GCC, and DoD: Beginning on October 3, 2026
Impact on your organization
Who is affected
Organizations and users that currently use Similarity Checker in Microsoft Word
Platforms and services
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Editor
What will happen
- Similarity Checker will be removed from Microsoft Word.
- After retirement, users will no longer be able to access Similarity Checker through the Editor experience in Word.
- Other Microsoft Word writing, editing, and citation capabilities will not be affected.
- Microsoft Editor will continue to provide spelling, grammar, clarity, and style suggestions.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities in Word are not affected by this change.
Note: Copilot is not intended to serve as a formal similarity, plagiarism, or originality validation tool.
Action required and recommendations
No action is required.
If your organization currently uses Similarity Checker:
- Review workflows that depend on Similarity Checker.
- Inform users who rely on the feature about the upcoming retirement.
- Evaluate alternative solutions if formal similarity or originality validation is required.
- Update internal documentation or training materials that reference Similarity Checker.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.