Microsoft 365 Message Center item MC1297982
MC1297982 - (Updated) Use sensitivity labels to block all connected experiences that analyze content in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Microsoft is expanding sensitivity label settings to block all connected experiences that analyze content in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This update, rolling out from mid-2026, automatically enforces broader content analysis blocking without configuration changes, affecting organizations using these labels and enhancing data protection.
- Message Center ID
- MC1297982
- Category
- plan For Change
- Severity
- normal
- Services
- Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft 365 apps
- Tags
- Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
- Published
- 2026-05-01
- Last updated
- 2026-06-18
- Expires
- 2026-08-31
Updated June 18, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. [Introduction]Microsoft is updating an existing sensitivity label setting that controls whether certain connected experiences can analyze file content. This change extends support of this label setting to additional platforms and extends coverage of the label setting to include all connected experiences that analyze content in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, rather than a subset of these experiences.[When this will happen]Public Preview: We will begin rolling out in mid-May 2026 and expect to complete by mid-July 2026 (previously mid-June).General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in mid-June 2026 (previously early June) and expect to complete by late July 2026 (previously late June).[How this affects your organization]Who is affectedOrganizations using Microsoft Purview sensitivity labels in Word, Excel, and PowerPointUsers opening files that have a sensitivity label configured with “Prevent some connected experiences that analyze content”What will happenFiles with this label setting will not be sent to any Microsoft connected experiences for content analysis.Previously, this label setting blocked only a subset of connected experiences; enforcement is now expanded in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.This change applies automatically to existing labels configured with this setting.There is no change to label configuration, and the behavior is enforced by default once the feature rolls out.[What you can do to prepare]No action is required if your organization already uses sensitivity labels.Optional recommended steps:Review sensitivity labels that use the “Prevent some connected experiences that analyze content” setting to confirm they align with your organization’s data handling expectations.Inform compliance and helpdesk teams that labeled files may no longer interact with connected experiences that analyze content in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Update internal documentation if you describe how sensitivity labels affect Office app functionality.[Compliance considerations]QuestionAnswerDoes the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes. Files with applicable sensitivity labels are now fully blocked from being sent to Microsoft connected experiences for analysis, expanding enforcement beyond a subset of experiences.Does the change modify Information Protection labels or their enforcement?Yes. Existing sensitivity label settings now enforce broader blocking behavior across all connected experiences that analyze content.Does the change introduce or modify AI/ML capabilities that interact with customer data?Yes. The change restricts how labeled content can be analyzed by Microsoft connected experiences, including AI‑powered analysis.