Disable Automatic Updates in Office: Full Guide

Yes, you can disable automatic updates in Microsoft Office, and this guide explains exactly how to do it for both Windows and Mac, along with the trade-offs. You’ll learn the steps, the different update channels, and how to re-enable updates when you need them.

Why Office Updates Automatically

Microsoft Office (Microsoft 365, Office 2019, and Office 2021) updates itself by default to keep your software secure, fix bugs, and add new features. These updates are delivered through a service called Click-to-Run, which replaced the older MSI installation method. Automatic updates are generally recommended because they patch security vulnerabilities that could let malware or hackers into your system. However, some users prefer to control when updates install, especially in business environments where a new update might break compatibility with existing macros, add-ins, or custom templates.

How to Disable Updates on Windows

On Windows, the most common way to disable Office updates is through the Office application settings. Here are the steps for the current versions (Office 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365):

1. Open any Office app, such as Word or Excel.
2. Go to File > Account (or Office Account in some versions).
3. Under Product Information, click Update Options.
4. Select Disable Updates from the dropdown menu.
5. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow the change.

After this, Office will stop checking for updates automatically. You can still manually check for updates by going to the same menu and selecting Update Now.

How to Disable Updates on Mac

For Microsoft 365 on a Mac, the process is slightly different:

1. Open any Office app, such as Word or Excel.
2. Click the Help menu in the top menu bar.
3. Select Check for Updates.
4. In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, click the Advanced button (usually a gear icon).
5. Choose Manual from the dropdown next to “Update Channel” or uncheck “Automatically keep my apps up to date.”

On older versions of Office for Mac, you might need to access the AutoUpdate tool from the Applications folder or the system tray. The exact wording may vary, but the goal is to switch from automatic to manual updates.

Using Group Policy for Enterprise

If you manage Office for multiple computers in an organization, disabling updates one by one is inefficient. Instead, you can use Group Policy (Windows) or Configuration Profiles (Mac) to control update settings centrally. For Windows, you’ll need the Office Administrative Templates, which you can download from Microsoft. Then, under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Office 2016 > Updates, you can set “Enable Automatic Updates” to Disabled. This method is the only reliable way to enforce update settings across a fleet of machines, as individual users might re-enable updates.

What Happens When You Disable Updates?

Disabling updates means your Office apps will not receive security patches, bug fixes, or new features. Over time, this can leave your system vulnerable to known exploits. For example, if a critical vulnerability is discovered in Word, a hacker could craft a malicious document that infects your computer. Additionally, you won’t get compatibility updates for new file formats or operating system versions. If you disable updates for a long period, you may eventually be forced to update to continue using Office, as Microsoft sometimes ends support for older versions.

Common Problems and Solutions

Sometimes the “Disable Updates” option is grayed out or missing. This typically happens when:

• You are using a volume license version of Office, which requires Group Policy to manage updates.
• Your organization has set policies that prevent you from changing update settings.
• You are using an older version of Office that doesn’t have the Click-to-Run update option.

If you see “Updates are managed by your administrator,” you cannot disable them without contacting your IT department. If you’re on a personal computer and the option is missing, try repairing your Office installation via Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft Office > Change > Quick Repair. This often restores the update settings.

How to Re-Enable Updates

To re-enable automatic updates, follow the same steps you used to disable them, but choose Enable Updates instead. On Windows, go to File > Account > Update Options > Enable Updates. On Mac, go to Help > Check for Updates > Advanced and select Automatic or check the box for automatic updates. After re-enabling, you can also manually trigger an update by clicking Update Now to get the latest patches immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling updates stop Office from working?

No, disabling updates does not stop Office from functioning. You can continue to use all features as long as your license is valid. However, you might miss out on new features and security fixes, and over time, compatibility with newer file formats could become an issue.

Is it safe to disable Office updates permanently?

It is not recommended. Security updates are crucial for protecting your data. If you disable updates permanently, you risk exposing your computer to malware and other threats. If you need to disable updates temporarily, set a reminder to re-enable them later.

Why is the “Disable Updates” option grayed out?

This usually means your computer is managed by an organization, or you have a volume license version of Office. In those cases, updates are controlled by your IT administrator via Group Policy or similar tools. You cannot change the setting yourself.

Can I disable updates for only one Office app?

No, the update setting applies to all Office apps at once. You cannot selectively disable updates for Word but keep them for Excel. If you need to control updates per app, you would need to use more advanced configuration tools, which are not officially supported.

How do I manually update Office after disabling automatic updates?

On Windows, go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. On Mac, go to Help > Check for Updates and click Update. This will download and install any available updates immediately, regardless of your automatic update setting.

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