Microsoft Adds AI-Powered Alt Text to Word and PowerPoint

Microsoft today announced a handy update for Word and PowerPoint users on Windows. Both apps can now use generative AI to create richer, more detailed, and context-aware alt text descriptions. As you may know, alt text is essential for readers who rely on screen readers.

Until now, Word and PowerPoint generated alt text automatically using the Azure Vision model, but the results often felt generic or missed important context. Microsoft is changing that, as the alt text now appears only when users choose to generate it.

The company says that the new system uses advanced AI models for higher-quality results. The new AI-powered alt text offers clearer structure, better detail, and descriptions grounded in the actual image.

Microsoft has also added safeguards to avoid over-interpretation or inappropriate content, ensuring the feature remains both helpful and reliable. So, how to use it, right? Well, first, insert an image, open the Alt Text panel, and select Generate alt text for me.

Next thing you’ll see is that Word or PowerPoint will produce a contextual description that users can keep or edit. The feature is live for Microsoft 365 subscribers running Version 2510 (Build 19328.20000) or later.

Users on older versions will no longer receive automatic alt text, but they can re-enable the classic option through the Accessibility settings.