Update Microsoft 365 Office Apps, September 2026

Please see the following scheduled Microsoft change:

Date: End of September 2026 (An exact implementation date for WSU’s Microsoft environment is unavailable.)

The following work is being completed: Microsoft is upgrading the backend service that powers the Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features in Microsoft 365 Office apps.

All affected groups: WSU Microsoft users

All affected processes: The Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features will no longer function on Office clients running versions earlier than 16.0.18827.20202.

Duration of impact: This is a permanent, Microsoft-driven change. There is no change to the user experience for clients on supported Microsoft Office 365 versions.

Necessary follow-up steps: To retain access to the Read Aloud, Transcription, and Dictation features, impacted users must update their Microsoft 365 Office apps to version 16.0.18827.20202 or later by September 2026.

Additional information: Learn more about the impacted features:

Questions? Please contact Crimson Service Desk at crimsonservicedesk@wsu.edu or 509-335-4357.