Hey there, let’s discuss on the topic how to fix text predictions missing or unavailable issue with Outlook. The real issue is that when we write an email text in Outlook Desktop, we expect to see suggested text, but this feature has stopped working.
Text predictions in Outlook, a feature designed to save time by suggesting words or phrases as you type, may sometimes become unexpectedly unavailable or disappear from the options menu. This issue can occur due to various reasons, such as a software glitch, an outdated version of Outlook, disabled settings, or conflicts with add-ins.
The Text Predictions feature is currently missing in the Current Channel version of Outlook. Additionally, this feature is not available in the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) or the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.
If we rely on this functionality, we may need to switch to a supported channel or wait for future updates that include the feature. The status of fixing the problem, from Microsoft is “Investigating.” Now we will see more about the issue through this post.
Table of Contents
What are Text Predictions?
Text Predictions is a feature in Microsoft Outlook that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to suggest words or phrases as we type. It aims to save time and improve productivity by predicting what we might want to write next, based on the context of our email or message.
How to Fix Text Predictions Missing or Unavailable Issue with Outlook
To resolve it, we can check if the feature is enabled under File > Options > Mail, ensure Outlook is updated, repair the Office installation, or reset settings. If the problem persists, it may require further troubleshooting or contacting Microsoft Support for assistance. Restoring this feature can help streamline your email composition and improve productivity.
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Fix Text Prediction Missing
When Use text prediction is turned on, typed characters and text predictions are cached for up to 30 days for service quality and performance improvement purposes. Let’s have a look at Settings in Outlook. We couldn’t see any settings regarding “Use text prediction”.
Note: Text prediction is only offered in select languages and regions.
- While you’re writing an email message, go to File > Options > Mail.
- Under Compose messages, make sure the Show text predictions while typing box is checked.
Investigation for Missing Text Prediction
The issue with the missing Text Predictions features in Outlook is currently being investigated by the Word Team (responsible for related functionality). They are working on a solution to address the problem, and once a fix is developed and its release timeline is confirmed, this information will be updated in the topic for users to know when to expect the resolution.
Text Prediction is also not supported in the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) or the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, meaning users on these channels will not have access to the feature at all. If this feature is critical for our workflow, we may need to consider switching to a supported channel or waiting for updates that include the fix and feature availability.
Troubleshoot and Investigate Problem in Outlook
If text predictions are missing in Outlook or other Office applications, a systematic investigation can help identify and resolve the issue. Below is a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and investigate the problem.
| Investigation | Process |
|---|---|
| Verify Feature Availability | Check subscription, Supported applications |
| Check if Text Predictions are Enabled | Outlook > File > Options. |
| Verify Language Settings | File > Options > Language. |
| Check for Updates | File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. |
| Investigate Add-ins | File > Options > Add-ins. |
| Repair Office Installation | Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Change > Repair > Quick Repair or Online Repair |
If we need to use the feature, we can switch Office to Current Channel Preview or Monthly Enterprise Channel. There are three options for switching the Office Channels. For example, the following command updates the registry to have the Microsoft 365 Apps installation on the device use Current Channel. After running a registry you need to
- Restart Outlook then select File> Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\common\officeupdate /v updatebranch /t REG_SZ /d CurrentPreview
Troubleshoot using a Registry Key
Run a registry key to switch the channel. For detailed instructions, refer to the guide: Use a registry command to install Microsoft 365 Insider on Windows devices. After applying the registry key, restart Outlook. Navigate to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now to complete the process.Using Multiple Registry Keys.
Execute a set of registry keys to enable channel switching. Use File > Office Account > Update Channel to switch to either the Monthly Enterprise Channel or Current Channel Preview. Allow users to select their preferred Microsoft 365 Insider channel for installation on Windows devices. After applying the registry keys, restart Outlook and go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
Using the Office Deployment Tool change the update channel by utilizing the Office Deployment Tool. For detailed guidance, visit: Change the Microsoft 365 Apps update channel for devices in your organization.
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Resource
Text predictions unexpectedly become unavailable and are missing in Outlook options
Author
Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP for 10 consecutive years from 2015 onwards. He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.