⚠️Azure Information Protection (AIP) Unified Labeling Add-in Retirement Announcement ⚠️

The Azure Information Protection (AIP) Unified Labeling add-in for Office has been serving millions of users and thousands of organizations for almost eight years, playing a vital role in information protection strategies. Since October 2019, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise has been integrating the same functionality into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, offering a more comprehensive and consistent experience across Windows, Mac, Web, and Mobile platforms.

We are officially announcing the retirement of the AIP Unified Labeling add-in for Office on April 11, 2024, and providing essential resources to help you navigate this transition.

📌What is the replacement for the AIP Unified Labeling add-in for Office apps?

Built-in sensitivity labeling is now directly integrated into Office apps, eliminating the need for an add-in on Windows. Migrating to Office built-in labeling requires deploying a subscription edition of Office (now called Microsoft 365 Apps), as built-in labeling is not available with standalone editions of Office (sometimes called “Office Perpetual”).

📌What will happen to the AIP Unified Labeling client? Will the AIP Viewer on Windows go away?

We're only retiring the add-in for Office apps for Windows. The AIP Viewers on Windows/iOS/Android, the AIP PowerShell extension, the right-click Classify & Protect, and the Scanner will continue to be supported. These capabilities will eventually be rebranded under Microsoft Purview.

📌Why are you doing this? Why now?

We have reached a point where Office built-in labeling can fully replace the AIP Unified Labeling add-in, providing better performance, reliability, data classification, and advanced features. In most cases, customers can disable the add-in without impacting functionality, resulting in a consistent behavior across platforms and future advanced capabilities.

📌How do I start planning for this change?

The best resource is the migration playbook at https://aka.ms/AIP2MIP/HowTo/GetStarted. It has a five-step guide to help you learn, evaluate, and execute the replacement of the add-in.

📌About this 12-month period – does it apply to everyone? What if I need more time?

Yes, the retirement notification applies to every AIP customer. After the 12-month timeframe, the add-in will be retired, and customers will not be able to use it with sensitivity labels. If necessary, customers with complex AIP deployments can request an extension through Microsoft Support or their Microsoft account team.

💡 Need more help? Reach out to your Microsoft account team!

📚MS Tech community: Retirement notification for the Azure Information Protection Unified Labeling add-in for Office - Microsoft Community Hub