Summary
- Microsoft is adding anchored comments to the PDF viewer in OneDrive and SharePoint on the web.
- Users will be able to anchor comments to a specific spot on a page or selected text, and collaborate with replies and @mentions.
- The change is on by default and does not introduce a new admin control.
- Existing protections such as sensitivity labels, Purview DLP, and IRM on rights-managed libraries continue to apply.
- IT should notify PDF users and helpdesk/support teams and update internal guidance for commenting workflows.
Microsoft is adding anchored comments to the PDF viewer in OneDrive and SharePoint on the web, enabling users to comment on specific spots or text, collaborate with replies and @mentions, with rollout from mid-October to mid-November 2026, on by default and requiring no admin action.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1470416
Primary Service: OneDrive
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 15 Oct 2026
Release End: 15 Nov 2026
Last Modified: September 11, 2026
Category: Stay informed
Tags: New feature
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: SharePoint Online, Microsoft OneDrive
History
9/10/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
Microsoft is adding anchored comments to the PDF viewer in OneDrive and SharePoint on the web. Users can attach a comment to a specific spot on a page, or to selected text, and collaborate through replies and @mentions — bringing PDF review to parity with commenting in Office documents. This feature will be on by default and requires no admin action.
Rollout schedule
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-October 2026 and expect to complete by mid-November 2026.
Note: This is a gradual rollout, so not all users will see the feature at the same time.
Impact on your organization
Anchored comments appear in the Microsoft 365 file viewer when a PDF is opened in OneDrive or SharePoint on the web.
Users will be able to:
- Comment anywhere — click a spot on a page to add a comment anchored to that location.
- Comment on text — select text and attach a comment to it.
- Collaborate — reply, @mention, see visual anchor indicators, and navigate between a comment and its anchored content; full keyboard and screen-reader support.
Who is affected:
- Users viewing PDFs in OneDrive and SharePoint on the web.
Default state: On by default for eligible users; no new anchored-comments-specific admin control is introduced.
Admin control: No new anchored-comments-specific control is introduced. Existing protections apply — sensitivity labels, Purview DLP, and Information Rights Management (IRM) on rights-managed libraries.
Action required / Recommendations
No admin action is required before rollout. You may want to:
Inform your PDF users and helpdesk/support teams about the new commenting experience.
Update internal collaboration guidance (commenting on a spot, text, or annotation; replies and @mentions; downloading with or without comments).