How To Disable Microsoft Office 365 Updates In Windows 10

Everyone knows that keeping installed software up-to-date is essential for optimal performance and security. Unlike most third-party software out there, users don’t need to put in the extra effort or use additional software to keep Microsoft Office 365 software up-to-date.

Unless updates are disabled, the Office program is automatically updated via Windows Update service, and one can view all installed updates for Office under Windows Updates.

But there are times when you need to temporarily disable Office updates. For instance, when you know that a specific update is degrading Office performance and experience, you can uninstall the update and disable Office updates until Microsoft releases a new update address the issue.

If for whatever reason, you want to stop Office updates, you can do so without actually disabling Windows Update service as turning off Windows Update will prevent Windows operating system from receiving new updates and is definitely not a good idea.

While we recommend keeping automatic updates turned on for Microsoft Office, those of you who prefer to disable updates for any reason can follow the given below directions to disable updates. As said before, you don’t need to turn off Windows Updates in order to stop Office from receiving updates.

This method is for everyone. That is, those of you installed Office 2019/2016 as part of Office 365 subscription as well as users who installed a one-time purchase of Office 2019/2016 (purchased via a retail store or online) can use this method to turn off Office updates without disabling Windows Updates.

Method 1 of 4

Disable Office updates in Windows 10 Settings

(scroll down to see instructions for Windows 8.1/7)

Step 1: Open Settings either by clicking its icon on the Start menu or using Windows + I hotkey.

Step 2: Go to Update & security > Windows Update. Click on the Advanced options link.

Step 3: Turn off the option labeled Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows.

Once you turn off this option, follow the directions in Method 2 or Method 3 to completely disable updates.

Method 2 of 4

Disable Office 365 updates via Office settings

IMPORTANT: This method works only if you manually installed Office 365 by running an executable file. This method will not work if Office 365 is installed via the Windows Store or if you have installed the Store version of Office 365. Refer to the directions in Method 3 if you have the Store version of Office 365.

Please note that the following method is useful only to stop receiving updates and not upgrades. That is, disabling Office updates this way will not prevent upgrades to the next version of Office. Refer to Method 1 to stop your Windows 10/8.1 from receiving all types of Office updates (applicable to both Office 365 and Office 2019/2016/2013 installed without using Office 365).

Step 1: Open an Office application. You can open Word, Excel, or any other Office application. We are using Office Word in this guide.

Step 2: Click the File menu and then click Account.

Step 3: On the right side, you will see the Update Options box (refer to the picture below).

NOTE: If the Update Options box doesn’t show up, it’s likely because you have the Store version of Office 365. Refer to the directions in Method 3 (scroll down to see).

Click on the same to see the following four update options:

# Update Now

(Check for and apply updates for Office)

# Disable Updates

(Don’t update for security, performance, and reliability)

# View Updates

(See the update history for this product)

# About Updates

(Learn more)

Step 4: Click on the second option labeled Disable Updates to stop receiving security, reliability, and performance updates for Office. In a nutshell, selecting this option will disable all Office updates.

Click Yes button when you see the User Account Control prompt. When updates are disabled, you will see “This product will not be updated” message right next to Update Options box.

To enable updates again, click the Updates Options box again and select Enable Updates option.

Method 3 of 4

Disable Office 365 updates (for the Store version)

The Store version of Office 365 does not offer an easy way to disable updates. That said, you can disable updates by turning off auto-updates option in the Windows 10 Store app. The catch is that turning off auto-updates will disable updates not only for Office 365 but for all other apps installed from the Store. You will have to manually update apps.

Step 1: Open the Windows 10 Store app.

Step 2: Click on the three dots icon and then click Settings.

Step 3: In the App updates section, turn off the Update apps automatically option.

Method 4 of 4

Disable Office updates on Windows 8.1 or Windows 7

Step 1: Type Windows Update in Start menu or Start screen search box, and press Enter key to open Windows Update window.

Step 2: On the left pane, click the Change settings link.

Step 3: Under Microsoft Update section, uncheck the option labeled Give Me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows. Click the OK button.