Fix Office 2021 LTSC Offline Download Getting the Wrong Build
Question details
The user is attempting to perform an offline deployment download for Office 2021 LTSC using a volume license but the deployment tool retrieves an older build instead of the latest one.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021 LTSC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using the Office Deployment Tool command to download the volume license offline installation files for an enterprise environment.
- Observed behavior
- The offline download command retrieves an older build version (e.g., 14332.20099) rather than the expected latest version (e.g., 14332.20604).
Verify that you are using the most recent version of the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) and ensure that your target directory for the offline files is completely empty before retrying the download.
Retry the Download as Microsoft Has Resolved the Backend Issue
This issue was identified as a Microsoft deployment service problem that delivered incorrect manifest files. Microsoft has since corrected the server-side configuration.
Because this was an external service issue with Microsoft's content delivery network, the primary solution is to simply run the download command again now that the correct build (14332.20604 or later) has been restored to the volume license channel.
Click the Start menu, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Use the 'cd' command to change directories to the folder where your setup.exe and configuration XML file are located (e.g., cd C:\ODT).
Type 'setup.exe /download configuration.xml' (replace 'configuration.xml' with your actual filename) and press Enter to initiate the download.
Once the command completes, navigate to the downloaded 'Office\Data' folder and check the version number of the newly downloaded CAB files to ensure it matches the expected build.
Specify the Exact Version in the Configuration File
Force the Office Deployment Tool to download the exact build you need by declaring the version number in your XML file.
Clear Local Cache and Update Windows
Clear local network caches and install pending updates to ensure your system isn't clinging to outdated network requests.
Simplify Your Enterprise Deployments with WPS Office
Struggling with complex XML configurations, deployment tools, and server-side update glitches in Microsoft Office? WPS Office offers a powerful, lightweight alternative that simplifies mass deployments while maintaining complete compatibility with standard Office formats.
- 1. Download the standard installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the offline installation package directly without needing command-line tools.
- 2. Deploy easily across your network: Distribute the lightweight setup file to user machines via your preferred endpoint management software.
- 3. Install and start working: Run the installer. Users can immediately start opening and editing existing Microsoft Office documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check which Office build the deployment tool actually downloaded?
Navigate to the folder where you ran the download command. Open the 'Office' folder, then the 'Data' folder. You will see a folder named with a build number (for example, '16.0.14332.20604'). This indicates the exact build version that was downloaded.
Why did Microsoft deliver the wrong build for Office 2021 LTSC?
Occasionally, Microsoft updates the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) manifests, and caching issues or staggered server rollouts can result in the deployment service temporarily offering a previous build instead of the newest one.
Can I install an older build if the newest one is causing issues?
Yes. You can modify your configuration.xml file by adding the Version attribute to the <Add> tag (e.g., Version="16.0.14332.20099") to force the Office Deployment Tool to download and install a specific, older build.
