{
  "id": 6288927,
  "title": "Microsoft Is Removing a Useful Word Tool: What Users Should Know",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/microsoft-is-removing-a-useful-word-tool-what-users-should-know",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-07T17:14:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRepublic",
    "slug": "techrepublic",
    "url": "https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-microsoft-word-similarity-checker-retirement/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Microsoft is discontinuing a helpful tool in Word called the Similarity Checker, which will be removed on October 3, 2026. This tool helped users check for plagiarism and match sources while writing. The decision to retire the feature is part of Microsoft's focus on more popular Word capabilities. However, other writing assistance tools like spelling, grammar, and Microsoft 365 Copilot will remain available. Users who rely on Similarity Checker for academic or review processes should find an alternative before the retirement date. Microsoft is also changing how Text Predictions works in Word, making it an opt-in feature rather than a default one. Users who prefer predictive suggestions may need to enable the feature manually. Schools and organizations that depend on Similarity Checker should identify and implement a separate source-matching service to maintain their workflow after the retirement.",
  "summary": "Microsoft is retiring Word’s Similarity Checker and making Text Predictions opt-in. Learn who is affected and what users should do before October 3. The post Microsoft Is Removing a Useful Word Tool: What Users Should Know appeared first on TechRepublic .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}