In a notable development, Microsoft has decided to discontinue the ‘Send to Kindle’ feature in Microsoft Word. This decision is set to take effect on February 9, 2026. The feature was introduced in 2023 and allowed Microsoft Word users to send documents directly to their Kindle e-readers.
Overview of the Send to Kindle Feature
The ‘Send to Kindle’ feature was available exclusively to users with a valid Microsoft 365 subscription. It was particularly beneficial for Kindle Scribe users, enabling them to annotate documents directly. Additionally, the feature preserved complex formatting through fixed layouts, enhancing the reading experience.
End Date and Support Information
Microsoft has updated its Send to Kindle documentation, clearly stating that the feature will cease operation across all platforms by early 2026. The affected platforms include:
- Web
- Win32
- Mac
After February 9, 2026, Microsoft will no longer support this feature. Users looking to upload .doc files to their Kindle are advised to use the official Send to Kindle app, which is available for all major operating systems.
Reasons Behind the Discontinuation
Microsoft has not publicly disclosed the reasons for this decision. It is suspected that internal analytics revealed limited user awareness of the feature. This may have led the company to conclude that the number of active users was insufficient to warrant its continuation.
Impact on Users
The discontinuation of ‘Send to Kindle’ raises questions for users who relied on this feature for document management on their Kindle devices. As e-readers continue to evolve, users will need to adapt to alternative methods for transferring documents efficiently.
For those who embraced this functionality, it’s essential to explore other options offered by Microsoft or third-party applications to ensure a smooth transition after the feature’s inevitable phase-out.
