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Fix Office 2019 for Mac Requesting Unavailable Updates
Question details
The user is repeatedly prompted to update Word 2019 for Mac, even though the final supported version (16.78.3) is already installed and no newer version is available.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Launching or using Word 2019 on a Mac while the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility is active.
- Observed behavior
- A notification incorrectly states an update is required, despite the software being fully updated for the Office 2019 license lifecycle.
Ensure you have saved all open documents and completely quit all Microsoft Office applications before attempting to modify application support folders.
Verify License and Delete the MAU2.0 Folder
Confirm your Office version is fully updated, then remove the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility causing the false prompts.
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac reached its final feature update at version 16.78.3. The false prompt is triggered by the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) tool continuing to search for updates that do not apply to your license. Deleting this specific folder is safe and will not impact your Office applications.
Open Finder, go to Applications, locate Microsoft Word, right-click it, and select 'Get Info' (or open Word and click Word > About Microsoft Word from the top menu bar).
Verify that the version number is exactly 16.78.3 and the license indicates Office 2019. If so, your software is already on its final update.
Open Finder and navigate to Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Microsoft > MAU2.0.
Drag the entire MAU2.0 folder to the Trash.
Right-click the Trash icon in your Dock, select 'Empty Trash', and then restart your Mac to apply the changes.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Mac Productivity
If you are tired of update glitches and out-of-support software like Office 2019, WPS Office provides a lightweight, actively updated, and free alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface with full compatibility for your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the annoying system errors.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for Mac.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your old Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents with perfect formatting preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Word 2019 asking for an update when none exists?
The Microsoft AutoUpdate utility sometimes fails to recognize that Office 2019 has reached the end of its update lifecycle at version 16.78.3, triggering a false notification for newer updates intended for Office 365 or Office 2021.
Is it safe to delete the MAU2.0 folder on my Mac?
Yes. The folder only contains the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility. Removing it simply stops the software from searching for updates and does not affect the performance, data, or functionality of your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applications.
Will I miss out on important security updates if I delete the AutoUpdate tool?
Because Office 2019 for Mac has reached the end of its support lifecycle, it is no longer receiving new security or feature updates. Removing the tool stops it from fruitlessly searching for updates that do not exist for your specific license.
