Microsoft has updated its Office web applications to allow users to apply sensitivity labels with custom permissions directly in browsers, eliminating the need for desktop software.

Key Points

• Users can now assign specific access levels like Viewer, Editor, or Owner to individuals or domains within Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for the web.
• The update enables the creation and modification of user-defined permissions, a feature previously restricted to desktop versions of Microsoft Office.
• Security enforcement remains consistent with existing Microsoft Purview policies, encryption configurations, and Rights Management Service settings.
• The new interface allows users to configure contact emails for access requests, though custom expiration dates for permissions are not yet supported in web apps.
• Organizations must have appropriate licensing and sensitivity labeling enabled in SharePoint and OneDrive to utilize these new browser-based security controls.

Why it Matters

This update streamlines document security workflows by removing the friction of switching between browser and desktop environments for sensitive file management. It enhances productivity for remote and web-first teams while ensuring that enterprise compliance and auditing standards remain consistent across all platforms.