Microsoft Retires Word's 'Send to Kindle' Feature, Recommends Web Alternative

Microsoft Word will lose its direct integration with Amazon's Kindle ecosystem next year. The tech giant has confirmed it will retire the 'Send to Kindle' export feature from its word processing software after February 2026, ending a convenient workflow that allowed users to transfer documents directly to their e-readers.

According to updated Microsoft support documentation, the feature will disappear from Word's Export menu in a phased rollout with no specific end date. This change impacts Windows and macOS users who relied on the built-in functionality to convert Word documents (.doc/.docx) into Kindle-compatible formats while preserving layout and formatting.

"We recommend sending doc and docx files directly from Amazon's Send to Kindle site," Microsoft stated in its official guidance. This alternative web-based method maintains the core functionality but requires an extra step outside the Word environment.

Security researcher and documentation specialist Aaron Wells notes: "This removal reflects the industry shift toward web-first workflows. While inconvenient for some, browser-based transfer gives Amazon more control over format compatibility and security validation. The trade-off is losing that seamless one-click experience within Word."

The retired feature offered significant advantages:

1. Format Preservation: Documents retained page layouts and styling "like a printed document" according to Microsoft
2. Font Flexibility: Adjustable text sizing maintained readability on Kindle devices
3. Direct Integration: Single-click transfer without file conversion or email forwarding

The only elements lost during transfer were comments and tracked changes—limitations that remain with alternative methods.

For affected users, these practical alternatives exist:

1. Amazon's Web Portal: Visit sendtokindle.amazon.com, authenticate, and upload documents
2. Email Transfer: Attach documents to an email sent to your Kindle's unique @kindle.com address
3. Mobile Apps: Use Amazon's Send to Kindle mobile application for iOS/Android

Cloud security engineer Maya Chen advises: "Whichever method you choose, ensure documents contain no sensitive data. Amazon's systems process files through conversion servers, so apply the same caution as sharing via email."

While Microsoft hasn't specified reasons for the removal, industry analysts suggest it may relate to shifting partnership priorities or simplification of Word's export options. The change doesn't affect other export formats like PDF, which remains fully supported.

Users should transition workflows before February 2026. Kindle owners can verify their device's email address under Amazon's Manage Your Content and Devices settings, where approved sender lists can be configured for email transfers.