Microsoft Word just got an update. Did yours?
Issue 1 · Oct 13–19, 2026. This build’s notes focus on speed and reliability improvements, alongside a reminder that a Microsoft 365 subscription unlocks more Office features across devices. It’s worth installing now for Word’s document editing and sharing tools; the next screen has the details.
About 2 minutes · what changed, then Google Play
Start NowWhat changed this week
These are the three changes in Microsoft Word: Edit Documents that stand out in the developer's update notes and on its Google Play listing this week.
- 01Speed and reliability improvements
The notes describe regular app updates as including improvements for speed and reliability. These are the main build changes highlighted for Word.
- 02Worth using: edit documents
Word lets you create and edit documents on your phone, with formatting and layout tools for writing, from short notes to longer work.
- 03Worth using: collaborate and share
Word lets you invite others to view or edit documents, add comments alongside text, and work together while tracking changes.
Our call on whether to update, and the link to the official Google Play listing, are on this issue's Microsoft Word: Edit Documents page.
Also updated this week
Microsoft Word: Edit Documents is one of 51 apps with a full screen in Issue 1. Next up in this issue:
Tips
- Start with a template
When beginning a new document, consider a template for a letter, CV, script, proposal or another project type. Templates can give you a ready-made structure to work from, while Word’s formatting and layout tools let you shape the content. Pick one that suits the task, then review the finished document before sharing it.
- Review a document together
For shared work, invite collaborators to view or edit the document, then use comments alongside the relevant text to keep feedback connected to the right passage. Word also describes real-time collaboration and tracking changes to text and layout. Check who has access before sharing, and choose viewing or editing access to fit the task.
- Keep earlier drafts in reach
When a document changes over time, use Word’s version history to view or restore an earlier draft. That can help you compare the current text with a prior stage before settling on a final version. Confirm that the selected draft is the one you want before restoring it, especially when other people have contributed.
Menu names follow the developer's help pages and can differ slightly between versions and phones.
How we write the digest
Each week we check the Google Play listings of the apps our readers use most: the version number, the update date and the developer's What's new notes. When an app has a new version, we put the developer's update notes and the listing details together on one page, in plain words, with a link to the official Google Play listing. Google and most developers release updates in stages over several days, so a version listed here may not have reached your phone yet. Select Weekly is an independent site and is not affiliated with any developer. This page doesn't read your phone or your Google account, and nothing is installed from here.
FAQ
Is this the official list of Microsoft Word changes?
No. This is an independent site and is not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation. Google Play’s Microsoft Word page is the authority for the app’s current listing and release information. The editorial summary here is based on the Play information provided, so check that page for the official details and availability for your device.
Why does Google Play show Open instead of Update?
Google Play may show Open when the version available to your account or device is already installed. Releases can also be made available in stages, so not everyone sees an update at the same time. Check the app’s Play page again later if you are expecting a newer build; you can continue using the installed app meanwhile.
Do I need Microsoft 365 to use Word?
The app description says a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription unlocks the full Microsoft 365 experience across supported devices. It also describes Word’s document creation, editing, reading and sharing tools. If you are considering an in-app subscription, review the offer and billing terms shown in Google Play and in Word before confirming a purchase.