When you co-author files in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint for Windows, you might see an in-app message (a gray notification bar). These messages are used to notify you about conditions that can affect real-time collaboration, and to provide guidance to restore the best experience.
Depending on the message, you might see a Fix it button that lets Office attempt an automatic repair, or a link that provides more information and next steps.
Some messages include an automatic repair option, while others will provide guidance or require action from your Microsoft 365 administrator.
How in-app messages work
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When Office identifies a condition that can affect real-time collaboration in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint for Windows, it shows a gray notification bar in the app.
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Examples include AutoSave defaulted to off, live updates that appear delayed.
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Resolutions can include changing a configuration on the device, addressing a file state, or clearing temporary files.
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Some issues require action by your organization’s Microsoft 365 administrator.
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The notification bar includes a short description, and may include a link to more information, a Fix it button, and a close (X) button.
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Fix it: If available, select the Fix actionto let Office attempt an automatic repair.
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Dismiss: If you close the notification bar without resolving the issue, it might appear again later.
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What to do when you see a message
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If a Fix it button is available, select it to let Office attempt an automatic repair.
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If a link is provided, select it for more information or manual steps (if needed).
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If the message indicates admin action is required, contact your Microsoft 365 administrator and share the link to the KB article.
Admin controls
If you’re a Microsoft 365 tenant administrator, you can disable the in-app messaging feature by configuring Office policy settings.
Office ADMX reference: HKCU\software\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\common\fileio!DisableLastMileInAppMessaging
Set this value to DWORD 1 to disable the feature.
Availability
In-app messaging is available in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows starting with Version 2601 (Build 19628 and newer).
Send feedback
To send feedback, select File > Feedback in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, and include #InAppMessaging in your comments.  ​​​​​​​
