Microsoft has officially warned all Microsoft 365 customers to update Office—or risk losing handy features like Read Aloud, Transcribe, and Dictate. Most people will already be OK but it’s worth checking to make sure.
Microsoft is totally revamping the backend services that powers the voice related parts of Microsoft Office; Dictate, Read Aloud or Transcribe. These changes need the Office software to play nice with the newer system.
These intelligent features are mostly found in Word but also touch Outlook, OneNote, and PowerPoint—so it’s not just Word that’s waving the white flag.
This should not be a problem for most people because Microsoft 365 is automatically updated regularly and there’s six months lead time.
Check out Dictation and Read Aloud in Office our comprehensive guide to all the voice related features in Office across Windows, Mac and mobile apps.
Update Microsoft 365
To work with the new voice related system, Microsoft 365 apps have to be updated.
According to Microsoft, the Microsoft 365 for Windows apps 16.0.18827.20202 or higher are needed.
That should not be a problem for most people because at the start of August 2025 the Current Channel release is already past that point at build 16.0.18925
What about Microsoft 365 for Mac?
Microsoft’s announcement made no mention of the Mac version of Microsoft 365, nor any of the mobile apps that use the same features.
In other words, a typical Microsoft ‘Mac blindness’ <sigh>.
Unless or until Microsoft clarifies, Mac customers will have to presume that the Microsoft 365 for Mac apps should be kept up to date.
Microsoft 365 mobile apps should automatically update via the App Store or Google Play.
Tick Tock: January 2026 Deadline
There’s a generous six-month grace period before the hammer drops
After January (or March 2026), any older Microsoft 365 apps will not be able to use Dictate, Read Aloud or Transcribe.
Most Admins and users have until the end of January 2026 to make the upgrade, that will take them past the next Semi-Annual channel update.
Special government licenses (GCC, GCC High, DoD) have until the end of March 2026.
Cheat Sheet
To check Microsoft 365 for Windows version:
- Open Word (or any Office app)
- Head to File | Account
- Under About …, look for the build number. If it’s higher than 18827.20202 then you’re OK.
To update, choose Update Options | Update Now or just let Microsoft 365 update automatically.
With Microsoft 365 for Mac, go to the Help menu of any app and choose “Check for Updates” or wait for the automatic update to happen.
Dictation and Read Aloud in Office
Read Aloud voice changes coming to Word
