Office Settings & Configuration

Why Is the Microsoft Word Similarities Feature Missing?

Partner Editor Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is asking why the Similarities feature in Microsoft Word disappeared after purchase and when it will be available again.

Why Is the Microsoft Word Similarities Feature Missing?

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to use the Editor's Similarities feature to check a document for originality and plagiarism.
Observed behavior: The Similarities feature is completely missing from the Microsoft Word interface because it was temporarily withdrawn by Microsoft.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft 365 account, as the Similarities feature is a premium subscription service. Since the tool was temporarily withdrawn by Microsoft, you will need to rely on alternative tools or wait for a future update.

Solution 1Recommended

Check for Microsoft 365 Updates to Await the Feature's Return

Microsoft temporarily withdrew the Similarities feature because it was not functioning correctly. You must keep your Office applications updated to receive the feature once it is reinstated.

The Similarities checker was pulled from Microsoft Word to allow developers to address critical functionality issues. Because it is a server-side feature connected to Microsoft Editor, it disappeared for all users.

Microsoft will restore the feature once the necessary changes are completed. Although no confirmed release date is currently available, keeping your Office suite fully updated ensures that the Similarities tool will automatically reappear in your Editor pane as soon as the patch is rolled out.

Open Microsoft Word

Launch Microsoft Word on your computer and open a blank or existing document.

Navigate to Account Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and then select 'Account' from the menu on the left sidebar.

Check for Updates

Under the 'Product Information' section, click the 'Update Options' drop-down button and select 'Update Now'. Allow Microsoft 365 to check for and install any pending updates.

Check for Microsoft 365 Updates to Await the Feature's Return

No Release Date Provided: There is currently no official release date for the return of the Similarities feature. You may need to use third-party plagiarism checkers in the meantime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly was the Microsoft Word Similarities feature?

The Similarities feature was a premium tool integrated into Microsoft Editor that helped users check their document's text against online sources to ensure originality and assist in adding proper citations.

Will I have to pay extra to use the Similarities feature when it returns?

No. The Similarities feature is a part of the Microsoft 365 premium subscription. As long as you maintain an active Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or Enterprise subscription, you will not have to pay extra when the feature is reinstated.

How can I check for plagiarism in Word while the feature is missing?

While the native feature is withdrawn, you can use third-party plagiarism checker add-ins available in the Microsoft Store (such as Grammarly or Copyleaks), or you can copy and paste your text into reliable online plagiarism detection tools.

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