Microsoft Retires Similarity Checker Feature in Word Due to Low Usage

Microsoft is retiring its Similarity Checker feature in Word on October 3, 2026. The tool, which was launched in 2020, compared user-generated text to online sources and provided a percentage score indicating how similar it was.

The Similarity Checker allowed users to add citations if necessary or retry for originality. Microsoft had previously stated that the feature aimed to help writers focus on content rather than mechanics.

Although Word's citation capabilities will not be affected, users who relied on the Similarity Checker as part of their workflow should consider alternatives. The tool was initially intended to aid in detecting plagiarism and promoting originality, but its usage declined over time.