Important
Microsoft is investigating reports of unexpected results on some devices running Office 2016 or Office 2019 after this update is installed. This update was intended to address issues with devices not receiving updates to Microsoft 365 Apps. As part of the repair action applied by this update, some devices were left without functioning versions of Microsoft 365 Apps or Office. To prevent additional devices from being affected, we have paused the rollout of this update. If your device is affected, use the appropriate resolution:
- In some cases, the product may appear to be unlicensed. Users should reactivate their purchased product: Activate Office for Windows
- In rare cases, the product may have been removed. Users should reinstall their purchased product: Download and install or reinstall Office 2021, Office 2019, or Office 2016
Introduction
Use Windows Update to help bring an eligible Microsoft 365 Apps installation on a Windows PC up to date.
Summary
This optional update is available only for Windows PCs with Microsoft 365 Apps installations that are more than 90 days out of date and use Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. Installing the update can help the apps resume updating and move to a current build for the device’s assigned update channel.
The update is offered through Windows Update. It is not a Windows operating system update, and it does not install automatically. You can choose whether to install it when it appears among optional updates for other Microsoft products.
Who should install this update
Consider installing the update if Microsoft 365 Apps on your Windows PC is more than 90 days out of date or has stopped updating normally, and the device uses Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel.
Important
This update does not apply to devices on other update channels or Microsoft 365 Apps on other operating systems. If your apps are current and updates are working as expected, you do not need this update.
If your work or school manages Microsoft 365 Apps updates by using Group Policy or Cloud Update, this update makes no changes to your device. Your organization’s existing update settings continue to apply. Contact your IT administrator or help desk if you need help updating Microsoft 365 Apps.
Before you begin
Save your work and close any Microsoft 365 apps when prompted.
Make sure your device is connected to the internet.
Restart the device if you are prompted to do so.
Install the optional update
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows is turned on.
- Return to Windows Update, check for updates, and install the optional Microsoft 365 Apps update if it is offered.
Note
The update is provided through Windows Update. Opening Settings > Windows Update is how you access Windows Update options on a Windows PC. The update applies only to Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows PCs that use Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel, and it makes no changes when updates are managed by Group Policy or Cloud Update.
What happens after installation
On eligible devices, the update starts the Microsoft 365 Apps update process and attempts to move the installation to a current build for Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. It does not change the assigned update channel. If updates are managed by Group Policy or Cloud Update, the update makes no changes, and your organization’s existing update settings continue to apply.
You might be asked to close apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote. A device restart might also be required.
If Microsoft 365 Apps is still out of date
If the apps do not update, try the following:
Check that the device has enough available disk space and a working internet connection.
Restart the device and then check for updates again.
Open a Microsoft 365 app, select File > Account > Update Options > Update Now if that option is available.
If your organization manages the device, contact your IT administrator or help desk. Update settings or policies might prevent the installation from updating.
Frequently asked questions
Is this update required?
No. This update is optional. If you do not install it, Microsoft 365 Apps might remain on an older build until the underlying update issue is resolved.
Is this a Windows Update?
No. This is an update for Microsoft 365 Apps that is made available through Windows Update. Update options are accessed from the Windows Update page in Settings.
Which devices are supported?
The update applies only to Microsoft 365 Apps installed on Windows PCs. It does not apply to Microsoft 365 Apps on other operating systems.
Which update channels are supported?
The update applies only to devices on Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. It does not apply to devices on other update channels.
Will the update change my Microsoft 365 Apps update channel?
No. The update does not change the update channel assigned to the device. It only applies when the device is already on Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel.
What if my organization manages updates?
If Microsoft 365 Apps updates are managed by Group Policy or Cloud Update, this optional update makes no changes to the device. Contact your IT administrator or help desk if your apps remain out of date.
How do I check my installed version?
Open a Microsoft 365 app, select File > Account, and review the version and build information under About.