Keeping Microsoft Office 365 updated is one of the easiest ways to ensure you have access to the latest features, performance improvements, bug fixes, and security updates. While Microsoft typically updates Office automatically in the background, there are times when automatic updates may be disabled, delayed, or simply not work as expected. In those situations, manually updating Office is the fastest way to get the newest release.
Whether you use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or the entire Microsoft 365 suite, performing a manual update only takes a few minutes.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to update Microsoft Office 365 manually to the latest release, verify that the update was installed successfully, and troubleshoot common update issues if they occur.
Update Microsoft Office 365 Manually to the Latest Release
To manually update Microsoft Office 365 to the latest release:
- Open any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel.
- Click File and then select Account.
- Locate the Office Updates section.
- Click Update Options.
- Select Update Now.
- Allow Office to check for and install available updates.
- Restart Office applications if prompted.
- Verify the updated version from the About section.
Microsoft 365 uses Microsoft’s Click-to-Run technology, which allows updates to be downloaded and installed directly from Microsoft’s servers. When you manually trigger an update, Office immediately checks for the latest available release associated with your subscription and update channel.
Let’s learn the process in detail!
1: Open a Microsoft Office Application
The first thing you’ll need to do is launch any Microsoft Office 365 application installed on your computer. You can use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or any other Office program.
If you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, click the Start Menu, type the name of the Office application you want to open, and launch it. Once the application opens completely, wait until the main window loads before moving to the next step.
Many users assume they need to open a special update utility, but that’s not the case. The update controls are built directly into Office applications, making the process simple even for beginners.
If the program asks you to sign in, use the Microsoft account associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription. Being signed in helps ensure Office can validate your license and access the latest available updates.
2: Access the Office Account Settings
After opening the Office application, look toward the upper-left corner of the window and click File.
A new menu will appear containing various settings and options. From the menu on the left side, select Account. In some older versions of Office, this option may be labeled Office Account.
The Account page serves as the control center for your Microsoft 365 installation. Here you’ll find information about your subscription status, product activation details, connected services, and update settings.
Take a moment to verify that your Office installation is activated correctly. If Office is not activated, the update functionality may not work as expected. You should see information indicating that your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and connected.
Once you’re on the Account page, you’re ready to initiate the update process.
3: Locate the Office Updates Section
On the Account page, scroll slightly if necessary and find the Office Updates section.
This area displays the current update status of your Office installation. If updates are enabled, you’ll typically see a message indicating that updates are downloaded and installed automatically.
Directly beneath this section, you’ll find the Update Options button. This button provides access to several update-related functions.
If you do not see the Office Updates section, it may indicate that your organization’s IT department manages Office updates through company policies. In personal Microsoft 365 installations, however, the update controls are normally visible.
Before proceeding, make sure you’re connected to a stable internet connection since Office will need to communicate with Microsoft’s update servers.
4: Start the Manual Update Process
Click Update Options and then select Update Now.
As soon as you click this option, Microsoft Office begins checking for available updates. The software compares your current version against the latest release available for your update channel.
If a newer version is available, Office automatically starts downloading the required files. Depending on your internet speed and the size of the update, this process may take anywhere from a few minutes to longer.
During this stage, you may notice messages such as Downloading Office Updates, Applying Updates, or Updating Office. This is completely normal.
Avoid closing your Office application or shutting down your computer while the update is in progress. Interrupting the installation can occasionally lead to incomplete updates or application errors.
Once the update finishes, Office typically displays a message confirming that the installation was successful.
5: Restart Office Applications
After the update process completes, you may be prompted to restart the Office application.
Even if you are not prompted automatically, it’s a good idea to close all open Office programs and reopen them. Restarting ensures that all newly installed files, features, and fixes are loaded correctly.
Many updates modify core Office components that remain active while applications are running. Restarting allows these updated components to replace the older versions currently loaded into memory.
If you had documents open during the update process, save your work before restarting the applications.
This simple step helps prevent unexpected issues and ensures the latest release functions properly.
6: Verify That the Latest Version Is Installed
After restarting Office, return to File > Account.
Look for the About Word, About Excel, or similar option, depending on the application you’re using. Click it to open the detailed version information.
A small window will appear showing your current Office version number, build number, and release information.
Compare this information with the most recent version available for your Microsoft 365 update channel. If the update completed successfully, the displayed version should reflect the newest release available to your installation.
Verifying the version helps confirm that the update process worked correctly and that you’re now running the latest build.
Additional Tips
Before updating Office, make sure your internet connection is stable and reliable. Interrupted downloads can occasionally delay the installation process.
Keep automatic updates enabled whenever possible. Automatic updates help ensure you receive important security patches without having to manually check for new releases.
If Office reports that updates are disabled, select Enable Updates from the Update Options menu before attempting a manual update.
Restarting your computer before updating can sometimes resolve temporary issues that prevent updates from installing correctly.
If you’re using a work or school account, remember that update settings may be controlled by your organization’s IT department. In those cases, some update options may not be available.
Regularly updating Microsoft 365 helps improve performance, compatibility, and protection against security vulnerabilities.
FAQs
Why can’t I see the Update Now option?
This usually happens when updates are managed by your organization or when Office is installed using a different update method. Personal Microsoft 365 subscriptions generally include the Update Now option.
How long does a Microsoft Office 365 update take?
Most updates are complete within a few minutes. Larger feature updates may take longer depending on your internet speed and system performance.
Will updating Office delete my files?
No. Updating Microsoft Office 365 does not remove or modify your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or emails.
Do I need administrator rights to update Office?
In most personal installations, Office can update without additional permissions. Some managed business environments may require administrator approval.
How often should I check for Office updates?
Microsoft regularly releases updates throughout the year. Checking once a month is generally sufficient if automatic updates are enabled.
Can I use Office while updates are downloading?
You can usually continue working during the download stage. However, you may need to close and restart applications when the installation phase completes.
Summary
Manually updating Microsoft Office 365 is a quick and effective way to ensure you’re running the latest version of Microsoft’s productivity suite. By opening an Office application, navigating to File > Account, selecting Update Options, and choosing Update Now, you can immediately check for and install available updates.
Keeping the Office updated helps improve security, stability, performance, and access to the newest features. Whether you’re using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook, taking a few minutes to manually update your software can help prevent problems and provide the best possible Microsoft 365 experience.