Disable Microsoft Office Updates for Windows 10?

“To Update or Not to Update, That Is The Question” (somewhat stolen from William Shakespeare)

If you want or need to disable Microsoft Office updates for Windows 10 versions 365, 2016 and 2019 then read on.

Problems Caused By Microsoft Office Updates

Microsoft Office Updates can cause problems (strange to believe but true), or maybe you don’t want the “latest” version and go through the relearning problems again.

Office 365 is constantly changing so when you are using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc the visual changes and features will change too. Many people wonder if Microsoft is making changes for change sake!

These later versions of Office use automatic updates as per Windows 10. Like it or not that is life today. However, it is possible to disable auto Microsoft Office Updates completely for Office 365 as well as 2016 and 2019.

How to Disable Microsoft Office Updates 365 for 2016 and 2019

Step through the following to disable Microsoft Office Updates for Windows 10:-

1. Open an Office program (app for the more trendy of you) such as Excel
2. Create a blank spreadsheet
3. Click on File (top left)
4. Click on Account in the menu that appears (generally 3^rd from the bottom).
5. On the right-hand side click the “Updates options” menu (on mid-centre of the new box – an envelope with downwards arrow)
6. Select the “Disable Updates” option which newly appears – generally below “Update Now”
7. Once selected click the “Yes” button to apply and confirm
8. Auto Updates are now stopped but they can be enabled again when you want by reversing the above procedure.

Checking the version of Microsoft Office you have can also be helpful so that you at least know where you are as a starting point for any Updates, Upgrades or if you plan on reinstalling Microsoft Office. Different people in an office may be using different versions so again knowing which version you all have can be helpful in solving problems and the like.

How to Check Your Version of Microsoft Office

To check what version of Microsoft Office you have the follow the steps below:

1. Open a Microsoft program (or app) as above e.g. Word
2. Create a blank document
3. Click on File
4. Click on Account
5. On the right-hand side you will notice “About Word” (generally under “Office Updates”. Clicking on this will give the version information about Word, Excel etc depending on which program you started with
6. If you have Office 365 Personal or Home Subscription then the version number will generally match the number in the Microsoft support website. Look for “What’s new in Office 365”
7. Other versions of Office 365 such as ProPlus etc are controlled from a different website or section.
8. For Office 2019 version has a different website or section yet again. The information should be under “Retail versions of Office 2019”
9. We should point out here that disabling updates could possibly lead to security issues as Microsoft programs can be compromised by hackers who find bugs or “holes” whereby they can penetrate the code and leaving the program and or computer vulnerable. Updates include “improvements” as well as security and maintenance patches, fixes and code changes. Microsoft may or may not inform you that any particular Update includes and of the aforementioned changes. This is not something to be too afraid of but we do advise caution.

Different forums for Windows 10 and Microsoft themselves may advise an Update is vital or necessary due to a hacker attack or a vulnerability found by someone. It often hits the news when hackers do this so being aware is often the best strategy.

If you would like further advice on how to disable Microsoft Office updates for Windows 10, contact Mark or David at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.