Update & Upgrade Problems

Fix Microsoft Office Not Updating to Specific Build Version

Steven Parker Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to update Microsoft Office from build version 16.0.4266.1001 to 16.0.4738.1000, but standard Windows update methods are failing or producing no results.

Fix Microsoft Office Not Updating to Specific Build Version

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to manually upgrade a specific build of Microsoft Office in an enterprise or customized deployment environment.
Observed behavior: The Office version does not change after attempting an update, or the required update options are entirely missing from the application interface.

Before you start

Ensure you are connected to the internet and check if your computer is managed by a company IT department, as enterprise policies can restrict manual software updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Apply Updates via Office Account Settings

Use the built-in update tool within your Office applications to check your current build and force an update if the feature is available.

Microsoft Office typically manages its own updates internally for Click-to-Run installations. Checking your Product Information can help identify if your app is ready to receive the requested build.

Open an Office application

Launch Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint and click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the screen.

Navigate to Account settings

Select 'Account' (or 'Office Account' depending on your version) from the left-hand menu to view your Product Information.

Check current version and type

Review the product name, version, build number, update channel, and installation type (e.g., Click-to-Run or MSI) displayed on the screen.

Apply updates manually

Click on 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' to force the application to connect to Microsoft servers and install the latest available build.

Verify and Apply Updates via Office Account Settings

Update Availability: If the 'Update Options' button is missing, your Office version may be managed by an organization or uses an MSI-based installer.

Solution 2

Address Missing Update Options for Enterprise Installations

If the update option is missing or fails, your installation is likely managed by an IT administrator or restricted by MSI deployment policies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I update my Microsoft Office version from 16.0.4266 to 16.0.4738?

This issue often occurs if your Office installation uses MSI technology (Volume License) instead of Click-to-Run, or if your IT department restricts specific version upgrades through centralized deployment policies.

Where do I find my exact Office build number and installation type?

Open any Office application like Word, navigate to File > Account, and look under 'Product Information'. You will see your exact version, build number, update channel, and whether it is a Click-to-Run or MSI installation.

What should I do if the 'Update Options' button is missing in Word or Excel?

A missing 'Update Options' button usually indicates that updates are managed by a Group Policy set by your organization, or you have an MSI-based installation. You will need to use Windows Update for MSI versions or contact your IT administrator for policy changes.

Installation & Activation