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How to Update Microsoft Office on Mac Without Any Hassle: Easy Steps

If you’re a Mac user relying on Microsoft Office for your daily productivity needs, keeping your Office apps—like Word, Excel, and Outlook—updated is essential. Software updates not only provide new features but also patch bugs and security vulnerabilities. Thankfully, updating Microsoft Office on a Mac is a straightforward process, as long as you follow a few simple steps. This detailed guide will help you ensure your Office suite remains up to date without unnecessary complications.

Why It’s Important to Keep Microsoft Office Updated

Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to understand why keeping Microsoft Office updated is non-negotiable:

  • Security: Updates fix vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by attackers.
  • Bug Fixes: Frequent updates eliminate annoying glitches and enhance app performance.
  • New Features: Microsoft regularly adds new features that improve user experience and streamline workflows.
  • Compatibility: Staying up to date ensures your Office apps work smoothly with the latest macOS versions.

Method 1: Using Microsoft AutoUpdate Tool

The easiest and most reliable way to update Microsoft Office apps on a Mac is to use the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) tool. This tool comes bundled with all Microsoft 365 apps and works silently in the background.

  1. Open any Microsoft Office App: For example, launch Microsoft Word or Excel.
  2. Click on “Help” in the menu bar and select Check for Updates.
  3. This opens the Microsoft AutoUpdate window. If your apps are already up to date, you’ll see a confirmation message. Otherwise, proceed to update.
  4. Choose Update Mode: You can select either:
    • Automatically Keep Microsoft Apps Up to Date (recommended)
    • Manually Check for Updates
  5. Click on “Update All” to begin the update process.

Tip: Always ensure you’re connected to a stable internet connection during the update process to avoid interruptions.

Method 2: Updating Through the Mac App Store

If you downloaded Microsoft Office from the Mac App Store (rather than directly from Microsoft), you should use the App Store to manage updates.

  1. Open the Mac App Store from your Dock or Applications folder.
  2. Click on the “Updates” tab on the left-hand side.
  3. If updates are available for Office apps, you’ll see them listed here. Click “Update” next to each app or select Update All.

Note: This method only works if your original Office installation came from the App Store. Otherwise, use the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool as described earlier.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Sometimes, users encounter issues while updating Microsoft Office. Below are some common problems and their solutions:

  • AutoUpdate Doesn’t Launch: Ensure your Office apps are not running in Safe Mode, and reinstall AutoUpdate if necessary from Microsoft’s official site.
  • Update Stuck or Fails: Restart your Mac and check for disk space. Security or antivirus software could also be interfering—consider disabling it temporarily during updates.
  • Microsoft Apps Not Recognized: This can happen when you’ve manually moved or renamed applications. Try reinstalling Office from the official Microsoft source.

How to Set Automatic Updates

To truly minimize hassle, enable automatic updates through the Microsoft AutoUpdate preferences:

  1. Launch any Office app and click on Help → Check for Updates.
  2. In the AutoUpdate window, check the box that says “Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date.”
  3. Close the window. Updates will now be handled in the background as new versions become available.

Pro Tip: You’ll occasionally be prompted to restart the Office apps or your Mac after a major update. Always save your work beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your Microsoft Office applications updated on a Mac is neither time-consuming nor complicated—provided you use the correct tools and settings. Whether you’re a student, business professional, or casual user, staying current ensures you’re benefiting from the latest features and highest levels of security.

By following these easy but essential steps, you can maintain peak software performance and stay ahead of potential issues—no hassle required.

Published on August 18, 2025 under .

Emily Harris