Fix Office Update Removing UI Automation HelpText Values
Question details
Microsoft Office version 16.0.16626.20170 returns empty HelpText properties for AutomationElement controls, breaking UI automation heuristics.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Running UI automation tools or custom software that relies on reading HelpText properties from the Office UI tree.
- Observed behavior
- HelpText values are returned as empty strings in the latest Office build, unlike in earlier versions where the properties were correctly exposed.
Ensure you have your exact Microsoft Office build number, a reproducible code example, and the results of your tests on an earlier functioning build ready for Microsoft Support.
Submit a Support Request via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Since this is a regression bug introduced in a specific Office update, escalating it to Microsoft engineering through the admin center is the official resolution path.
Microsoft Support has the appropriate engineering channels to investigate code regressions. Providing detailed logs and reproducible examples will help them release a patch in future builds.
Navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin center in your web browser and log in using an account with administrator credentials.
On the left-hand navigation menu, click on 'Support' and then select 'New service request'.
Describe the UI Automation regression clearly. Specify the affected build (16.0.16626.20170), attach your reproducible automation script, and note that earlier builds functioned correctly.
Roll Back to a Previous Working Office Version
Temporarily revert your Microsoft Office installation to an earlier build where the AutomationElement HelpText properties function correctly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my UI automation stop working after the recent Office update?
Microsoft Office build 16.0.16626.20170 introduced a code regression that returns empty HelpText properties for AutomationElement controls. Any UI automation software relying on reading these values will fail to recognize the corresponding interface elements.
Can I fix the empty HelpText values locally using a registry tweak?
No, there is no local registry fix or application setting to restore this functionality in the affected build. The property data is simply missing from the UI tree, so you must either roll back your Office version or wait for Microsoft to release a patch.
What information does Microsoft need to investigate this automation bug?
When submitting a support ticket, be sure to provide the exact Office build number (e.g., 16.0.16626.20170), a small, reproducible code snippet or script demonstrating the empty HelpText output, and clear documentation that previous versions worked as expected.
