'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Can Microsoft Office Click-to-Run and MSI Installations Coexist?
Question details
The user is asking whether Click-to-Run (C2R) and MSI Microsoft Office installations can coexist, particularly when attempting to download and install volume-licensed products like Project 2019.
- Product
- Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Deploying multiple Microsoft Office products using mixed installation technologies (Click-to-Run and MSI) on a single computer.
- Observed behavior
- The system prevents the installation of a new Office product because overlapping applications using Click-to-Run and MSI technologies cannot coexist on the same machine.
Before installing new Office software, verify your current installation type by opening an Office app (like Word), navigating to File > Account, and checking for the 'Update Options' button, which indicates a Click-to-Run installation.
Uninstall Conflicting Office Installations
Since Click-to-Run and MSI installations generally cannot coexist, you must remove the conflicting version before installing your desired Office or Project product.
Microsoft enforces strict rules regarding installation technologies. If you have an MSI-based version of Office installed and try to install a Click-to-Run version of Visio or Project (or vice versa), the installation will be blocked.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and press Enter to launch the application.
Click on 'Programs', followed by 'Programs and Features' to view a list of all installed software on your computer.
Scroll through the list to find your existing Microsoft Office installation. Right-click on it and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove the software.
Restart your computer to ensure all background services are cleared, then proceed to install your new version of Microsoft Office or Project.
Deploy Project 2019 Volume License via Office Deployment Tool
If you are installing Project 2019 volume license, you must use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) as Microsoft transitioned these products to Click-to-Run.
Avoid Complex Installation Conflicts with WPS Office
Dealing with the coexistence rules of Click-to-Run and MSI installations can be frustrating and time-consuming. Switch to WPS Office for a unified, hassle-free experience. WPS Office combines a word processor, spreadsheet tool, and presentation maker into one lightweight application, eliminating deployment headaches entirely.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the lightweight installation package.
- 2. Run the setup: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite in one go.
- 3. Open and edit files immediately: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without worrying about compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my Office installation is MSI or Click-to-Run?
Open any Office application like Word or Excel, click on 'File', and select 'Account' (or 'Office Account'). Under the Product Information section, look for an 'Update Options' button. If it is present, your installation uses Click-to-Run. If it is missing, you have an MSI (Windows Installer) version.
Can I install Visio or Project on a computer that already has Office?
Yes, but they must utilize the same installation technology. You cannot install an MSI version of Visio or Project if you already have a Click-to-Run version of Office installed, and vice versa. They must also generally be of the same version year.
Why did Microsoft switch from MSI to Click-to-Run?
Click-to-Run is a modern deployment technology designed to provide faster installations, seamless background updates, and better application virtualization. This ensures users always have the latest security patches and features without manual intervention, which MSI struggles to support efficiently.
