Microsoft Teams: Profanity filter disabled by default for live captions

Microsoft Teams will disable the profanity filter by default for live captions starting mid-June 2026, improving caption accuracy and accessibility. Users can enable the filter anytime. This affects new users who haven't set the filter; no admin action is required, but communication to users is recommended.

[What and Why]

We are updating the default setting for the profanity filter in Microsoft Teams live captions from On to Off. This change ensures captions more accurately reflect spoken content, supporting accessibility needs and aligning with regional regulatory requirements (including the EU). Users retain full control and can enable or disable the filter at any time.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 560323.

[Rollout Schedule]

• Targeted Release: Early June 2026 – Mid-June 2026
• General Availability (Worldwide): Mid-June 2026
• General Availability (GCC, GCCH, and DoD): Mid-June 2026 – Late June 2026

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected

• Users who have never configured their live captions profanity filter setting in Teams
• Applies to all Microsoft 365 tenants using Microsoft Teams

Platforms/Services

• Microsoft Teams
• Meetings, calls, and events
• Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR) devices
• Desktop, web, and mobile clients

What will happen

• The profanity filter for live captions will be Off by default for newly initialized users.
• Users who have already configured this setting will not be affected.
• Live captions may display unfiltered language by default after rollout.
• Users can update their preference at any time in Teams settings:

  

• No changes are made to admin policies or configurations.

[Action Required / Recommendations]

No admin action is required.

Admins may consider the following:

• Inform helpdesk and support teams about this change.
• Communicate to users that:
  • Live captions may display unfiltered language by default.
  • Users can re-enable profanity filtering in Teams settings.
• Update internal documentation or training materials if applicable.

Learn more: Use live captions in Microsoft Teams meetings | Microsoft Support

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.