Microsoft 365 – the subscription / annual fee plan for Microsoft Office on Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android.
Includes Word 365, Excel 365, PowerPoint 365, Outlook 365 and many other ‘365’ programs, apps and services.
What the “Possible Word Choice” Error in Microsoft Word Really Means
If you’ve ever seen Microsoft Word underline a word with a cryptic “Possible Word Choice” warning, you’re not alone. This subtle feature of Microsoft Editor can confuse even seasoned users. It flags real words that might not fit the sentence’s context, often catching homophones or subtle mix-ups that spell-check misses. Here’s how this grammar alert […]
Simplify Excel Formulas with the CHOOSE Function
Tired of endless nested IF statements in Excel? The CHOOSE function offers a cleaner, smarter way to pick from multiple options using a single, simple formula. Learn how to replace complex conditional logic with CHOOSE(), streamline your spreadsheets, and make your formulas easier to read, maintain, and debug. Choose() an alternative to IF or NestedIF […]
KWN – three letters that all Word users should know
Ever had a heading in Microsoft Word that seemed to wander off from its paragraph like a rebellious teenager? Or a bullet point that ghosted its follow-up text? Enter “Keep with Next” or KWN to its friends, Word’s low-key matchmaker that makes sure certain paragraphs stay together—forever (or at least until you change your formatting). […]
Microsoft Faces Legal Action in Australia Over Misleading Microsoft 365 Price Rise Claims
Microsoft’s subscription practices are under scrutiny in Australia as the country’s competition regulator takes the tech giant to court. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleges that Microsoft misled approximately 2.7 million Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers over how it communicated a major price increase and subscription change. This case could have wide-reaching […]
Excel’s “Hebrew Shekel” Label Sparks Unfounded Online Rage
A viral post recently accused Microsoft Excel of bias for labeling the shekel as “Hebrew” instead of “Israel.” However, there’s no conspiracy—Excel lists currencies by language, not country, using the same format for all entries. Thanks to Office Watcher, Gary B. from Portland for alerting us to this bit of ragebait on social media. It […]
Unlock Hidden Details: Add more to Word Headers and Footers
Most Word users stop at page numbers and dates in their headers and footers, but Microsoft Word can do much more. From inserting document titles, authors, and file paths to using advanced field codes like StyleRef or NumPages, you can make your headers dynamic, informative, and even interactive. Discover the powerful, lesser-known elements you can […]
Mastering Headers and Footers in Microsoft Word: Simple Steps for a Professional Look
Creating polished, consistent headers and footers in Microsoft Word is easier than you think. This guide walks you through every step—from adding page numbers and section-specific layouts to using “Different First Page” for cleaner title pages. Whether you’re preparing reports, articles, or academic papers, these techniques will help your documents look professional, organized, and reader-friendly […]
How to Change Word Field Code Colors or Formatting Based on Number Values
Did you know you can make Microsoft Word automatically change text color or formatting depending on whether a number is positive, negative, or zero? With field codes like {SEQ} or {MERGEFIELD}, it’s easy to apply different font styles, colors, or highlights directly in your document—no macros required. This simple formatting trick lets you visually distinguish […]
Microsoft Word Misses a Common Grammar Mistake: Largest to smallest
Microsoft Word’s grammar checker might help with commas and verb tenses, but it misses one subtle yet frequent English mistake, putting numbers, amounts, times, or dates in the wrong order. After our article on adjective order in English , Aussie Office Watch reader “MJ” pointed out something that Word doesn’t check for. Maybe it should […]
Microsoft Word’s Copilot Summary Annoys Users and won’t %£@$% go away!
Microsoft Word 365 users are frustrated by the Copilot Summary feature that refuses to disappear. Copilot Summary automatically appears above documents and can’t be fully hidden or disabled. While designed to help summarize content, its lack of control options and buggy behavior have made it more of an annoyance than an aid, typical of Microsoft’s […]
Copilot is not as popular as Microsoft says, Customers Aren’t Buying the hype
Microsoft’s Copilot is NOT the wildly popular, world class AI product that Microsoft says it is. That’s not just an opinion; there are hard facts to back it up. The recent sharp price drop and ignored user frustration suggest otherwise. From intrusive integration to privacy concerns, Copilot’s rollout has backfired. Of course, nothing could be […]
Copilot Deep Research Tested: Real Results, Flaws, and Formatting Fails
Microsoft’s Copilot “Deep Research” promises detailed, AI-generated reports—but does it deliver? Office Watch’s hands-on tests reveal the strengths, limitations, and frustrating formatting flaws behind Microsoft’s most ambitious Copilot feature yet. From factual errors to messy Word documents, here’s what you should know before relying on Deep Research for serious work Copilot’s Deep Research option creates […]
Why Windows Replaces Helvetica with Arial — The Hidden Font Substitution Explained
Did you know Windows quietly swaps out Helvetica font for Arial every time you open certain documents? This subtle substitution affects how text looks in Word, browsers, and more. Learn why Helvetica isn’t included in Windows, how Microsoft handles font replacements behind the scenes, and what you can do to regain control of your document’s […]
Is Microsoft Word Casually Homophobic? Why Grammar Checkers Differ
A viral post sparked debate over whether Microsoft Word’s grammar checker shows hidden bias, but the truth is more technical than cultural. Office Watch investigated and found that Word and Google Docs simply make different choices about what to flag in grammar suggestions. There’s no homophobia here, just decisions that shape how language tools interpret […]
Excel’s Copilot() Function Can Be Dangerous in the Wrong Hands
Microsoft’s Copilot() function in Excel comes with real risks. When used incorrectly, Copilot() can produce misleading or nonsensical results that could compromise data accuracy and decision-making. Treat this AI feature with caution and Microsoft should add stronger safeguards and clearer warnings against misuse. It all started with this post on the socials. Please, please don’t […]
Excel dates: How to Reveal Year, Month & Day Details in many different ways
Want to show only the year, month, or day from an Excel date? We explain how to use the TEXT(), YEAR(), MONTH(), and DAY() functions or cell formatting to display or calculate date details efficiently. Learn when to use each method, which is fastest, and how your choice affects Excel performance and spreadsheet clarity. Once […]
