Generate and review alt text in Word and PowerPoint

Before you start

You need a Microsoft 365 subscription and a supported Word or PowerPoint version. On a Copilot+ PC, generation can run automatically on the device. On other supported devices, requesting a description uses a Microsoft cloud model.

Request and check a description

1. Insert an image in Word or PowerPoint.
2. Select the image.
3. Open its Alt Text pane.
4. If no draft appears, request an AI description in that pane or Accessibility Assistant.
5. Read the draft beside the surrounding text.
6. Correct guesses and missing context.
7. Save the document.

A review example

For a screenshot teaching someone to find a captions button, “A mobile screen with buttons” is too vague. A better description identifies the app and the relevant button. Check that the button is actually visible before naming it.

If generation is unavailable

Write alt text manually in the image’s description field. Check your Microsoft 365 version and organisation settings before assuming you need to buy Copilot. Keep an accessible explanation in the document if you cannot add the description.

Processing and language limits

Microsoft says local generation on Copilot+ PCs keeps the image on the device and currently supports English only. Online generation supports Dutch; Microsoft says images are processed for the request and are not retained or used for training. Follow your organisation’s rules before uploading a sensitive image.

Turn automatic generation off

On a Copilot+ PC, open File > Options > Accessibility and clear “Enable the option to generate alt text using AI”. Other devices do not generate automatically at insertion. Generated descriptions still need review.

Sources and checks

• Microsoft: AI-generated alt text

Documentation checked: 2026-10-10. Product steps have not been tested in a signed-in vendor app for this edition.

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