Microsoft 365 Installation Problems

Fix Access and Publisher Automatically Uninstalling in Microsoft 365

WPS Content Manager Oct 8, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent Microsoft Access, Publisher, and OneNote from automatically removing themselves from managed enterprise computers.

How to Fix Access and Publisher Automatically Uninstalling from Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft 365 E3, Microsoft Intune
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing multiple enterprise computers via Microsoft Intune and Microsoft 365 Apps deployment policies.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Access, Publisher, and the Office version of OneNote automatically uninstall themselves from devices after a day or two.

Before you start

Ensure you have Intune Administrator or Global Administrator privileges to review application deployment policies and configuration XML files in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Intune App Assignments and ODT XML Configurations

Conflicts in Microsoft 365 Apps deployment configurations or Office Deployment Tool (ODT) XML files are the most common cause of specific Office apps being uninstalled automatically.

When managing Microsoft 365 via Intune, specific deployment configurations might have <ExcludeApp> tags for Access, Publisher, or OneNote. If a device receives a newer or conflicting policy containing these exclusions, it will silently uninstall those applications.

Access Endpoint Manager

Check Microsoft 365 Apps Configuration

Locate your Microsoft 365 Apps deployment policy. Click on 'Properties' and edit the 'App suite' settings to ensure Access, Publisher, and OneNote are not deselected in the configuration designer.

Review ODT XML Files

If you use XML data to deploy Office, check the XML script for tags like '<ExcludeApp ID="Access" />' or '<ExcludeApp ID="Publisher" />'. Remove these lines if you want the apps to remain installed.

Check App Assignments

Verify the 'Assignments' section to ensure there isn't a conflicting 'Uninstall' assignment targeting the same group of users or devices.

Review Intune App Assignments and ODT XML Configurations

Syncing Policies: After updating the configuration, remind users to manually sync their devices from the Company Portal or wait for the automatic background sync to apply the new deployment rules.

Solution 2

Inspect Group Policy and Third-Party Deployment Tools

Check for legacy Group Policy Objects (GPO) or other endpoint management software that might be enforcing an older, restricted Office installation.

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Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Enterprise Deployment

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the enterprise or free unified installer package.
2. Deploy Across Your Network: Use Microsoft Intune or your preferred endpoint management tool to deploy the single executable without worrying about complicated XML configurations.
3. Seamless Transition for Users: Users can immediately open their existing Microsoft Office files in WPS Office and start working right away.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Intune automatically uninstall apps from Microsoft 365?

Intune ensures that the software on a device exactly matches the assigned configuration profile. If a deployment profile excludes specific apps (like Access or Publisher) using <ExcludeApp> tags, Intune will automatically remove them during the next sync to maintain compliance with the policy.

How do I check device deployment logs in Intune?

You can review deployment logs by logging into the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, navigating to 'Devices' > 'Monitor' > 'App installation status'. Alternatively, on the local machine, check the Event Viewer under 'Application and Services Logs' > 'Microsoft' > 'Windows' > 'DeviceManagement-Enterprise-Diagnostics-Provider'.

Can I prevent Intune from updating Office applications?

Yes, you can manage update behaviors by configuring Update Policies for Microsoft 365 Apps in Intune. However, completely disabling updates is not recommended for security reasons. Instead, assign devices to a specific update channel (like Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel) to better control when and how updates are applied.

What should I do if no conflicting policy is found in Endpoint Manager?

If you have thoroughly checked ODT XML configurations, Intune App Assignments, and local Group Policies without finding a conflict, open a support ticket with Microsoft Intune Support from the Endpoint Manager admin center to investigate potential backend sync or policy application issues.

Installation & Activation