Microsoft ends similarity check in Word

Microsoft has announced that it will remove the similarity check in its word processing software Word. This feature, which allowed users to compare texts with online sources, will be eliminated without replacement in autumn 2026. The decision comes as a surprise, as the similarity check was particularly widespread in the academic field and helped many users avoid plagiarism.

The similarity check was an integrated scanner that checked texts for matches with content on the internet. This feature was used by students, researchers, and educators to ensure that their work met academic standards. With the removal of this feature, users will now have to find alternative methods to check their texts for plagiarism.

Reactions to the Decision

Microsoft's decision has already sparked initial reactions in the academic community. Many users express concerns that the removal of the feature could negatively impact the quality of academic work. Some professors and lecturers have already announced that they will instruct their students to use external tools for plagiarism checking to ensure that the integrity of the work is maintained.

Some users have also highlighted the user-friendliness of the similarity check, which allowed them to quickly and efficiently respond to potential plagiarism. The removal of this feature could lead to students spending more time reviewing their work, which would extend the overall writing process.

Alternatives and Challenges

With the removal of the similarity check, users now face the challenge of finding suitable alternatives. There are already various online tools and software solutions that offer similar functions, but users will need to familiarize themselves with these new systems. This could pose a hurdle, especially for less tech-savvy users.

Microsoft's decision could also impact the company's market position in the field of word processing. Competing products that offer similar functions could benefit from the situation and attract users looking for a comprehensive solution for plagiarism checking. Microsoft may need to focus more on other features to retain its user base.

The removal of the similarity check in Word is part of a larger strategy by Microsoft to continuously update the software and adapt it to user needs. However, it remains to be seen how users will respond to this specific change and what long-term effects it will have on the use of Word in the academic field.