AI features that switched on by default this quarter

Our AI Feature Log shows two business AI features on by default from this quarter: ChatGPT for Word, from 1 October 2026, and Docs Live in the Google Docs mobile app, announced 21 October 2026. No Microsoft 365 Copilot entry in the log states a default.

Of the 34 entries in Softwired's AI Feature Log when we read it on 28 October 2026, seven state a default setting: two on, five off. The entries were announced between August 2026 and 21 October 2026; three carry a month only, because the vendor gave no day. The log records business AI features announced by Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, GitHub and SpaceXSI, the AI company formerly called xAI, each linked to the vendor's release notes. It is a record of announcements, and it does not recommend any product.

The seven AI features on by default or off by default in the log

• ChatGPT Business. Feature: ChatGPT for Word. Default: On from 1 Oct 2026. Announced: 17 Sep 2026. Source: OpenAI.
• Gemini in Google Workspace. Feature: Docs Live in Google Docs mobile. Default: On for users with Gemini in Docs on eligible plans. Announced: 21 Oct 2026. Source: Google.
• OpenAI dots. Feature: Always-on agents, Enterprise beta. Default: Off. Announced: 29 Sep 2026. Source: OpenAI.
• ChatGPT Business and Enterprise. Feature: External access controls (admin preview). Default: Off. Announced: 24 Sep 2026. Source: OpenAI.
• Claude Enterprise. Feature: Claude Design, Slides and Docs in any conversation. Default: Off until an owner turns them on. Announced: 16 Sep 2026. Source: Anthropic.
• Gemini in Google Workspace. Feature: External sharing for Gemini Notebook. Default: "Off by default" is one admin setting. Announced: 10 Sep 2026. Source: Google.
• Claude Team and Enterprise. Feature: Memory across chat and Cowork. Default: Off. Announced: 25 Aug 2026. Source: Anthropic.

ChatGPT for Word is on for Business workspaces

OpenAI announced ChatGPT for Word for Business workspaces on 17 September 2026. Word access is on by default from 1 October 2026. Workspace admins can turn it off, and Microsoft 365 admins must allow the add-in before staff can use it. If your business has a ChatGPT Business workspace and runs Microsoft 365, two different admins hold part of this decision, so check that both know about it.

Docs Live in Google Docs mobile is on for Gemini users

Google announced Docs Live on 21 October 2026. It builds documents by voice in the Google Docs mobile app, drawing on email, chats and Drive. It is on by default for users with Gemini in Docs on eligible plans. Staff who already have Gemini in Docs can use it without anyone switching it on.

Five features stay off until an admin turns them on

The other five entries are off by default, or offer an off setting, until someone with admin rights decides. OpenAI's dots agents for Enterprise and its external access controls for ChatGPT Business and Enterprise both start off. Anthropic lists Claude Design, Slides and Docs as off on Enterprise until an owner turns them on, and memory across chat and Cowork as off for Team and Enterprise. Google's Gemini Notebook sharing controls include an "Off by default" setting. An off default still needs a decision, because someone will ask for it, and the person asked is usually whoever is nearest the admin console.

What to ask your IT team this week

1. Ask who administers your ChatGPT Business workspace, and whether Word access is on.
2. Ask whether the Microsoft 365 admin centre allows the ChatGPT add-in for Word.
3. Ask which users have Gemini in Google Docs, since Docs Live is on for them.
4. Note the five off-by-default features, and decide who approves a request to turn one on.
5. Record each decision in your approved tools and approved uses registers.

Vendor defaults are one of the four sources in our guide to finding shadow AI, and a short AI policy tells staff what to do when a new feature appears. Deciding who holds that call is one of the five outputs in our guide to AI advisory services.

How we counted

We downloaded the AI Feature Log CSV on 28 October 2026 and counted every entry whose description states a default setting. The data is published under CC BY 4.0, and the log is updated monthly. For Microsoft 365 Copilot, the log holds entries, but none states a default.

Frequently asked questions

Which new AI features in Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT and Gemini are on by default?

In our AI Feature Log, read 28 October 2026, ChatGPT for Word is on by default for ChatGPT Business workspaces from 1 October 2026, and Docs Live in Google Docs mobile is on for users with Gemini in Docs on eligible plans. No Microsoft 365 Copilot entry states a default.

Can admins turn these features off?

The log says ChatGPT for Word can be turned off by workspace admins, and Microsoft 365 admins must allow the add-in. Check each vendor's release notes, linked in the table, for the current setting.

How often is the AI Feature Log updated?

The log is updated monthly, and its data is published under CC BY 4.0 with a CSV download.

Most leaders we talk to first hear about these switches from a staff member. If you want a hand deciding which to leave on, book a 30-minute call.