Services
Microsoft 365 suite
Microsoft 365 apps
Summary
A new Search box will be added to the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint app home pages by March 2026, enabling quick file search with dynamic suggestions. The feature is enabled by default, respects existing permissions, requires no admin changes, and no user action is needed.
Details
Introduction
We are improving how users find their files on the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint app home pages by adding a Search box in the page header. This change helps users locate files more quickly with file suggestions shown as users click or type in the box.
When this will happen:
- General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Rollout began in late December 2025 and is expected to complete by March 2026.
How this affects your organization:
Who is affected:
- Users of the Word (word.cloud.microsoft.com), Excel (excel.cloud.microsoft.com) and PowerPoint (powerpoint.cloud.microsoft.com) app home pages.
What will happen:
- Users will see a Search box in the page header on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint app home pages.
- Clicking into the search box will show file suggestions in a drop down list.
- File suggestions will update dynamically as users type in the box.
- The feature is enabled by default.
- Existing Microsoft 365 permissions and access controls are respected.
- No admin policy changes are required.
What you can do to prepare:
- No action is required.
- Optionally notify users and update internal documentation.
Compliance considerations:
| Compliance question | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed (for example, documents, files, or metadata)? | This feature enhances how existing Microsoft 365 files are searched and surfaced on the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint app home pages. File suggestions use existing file metadata and relevance signals and fully respect current user permissions. No new data types are introduced and no changes are made to data storage, retention, or access controls. |