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Fix Repeated Microsoft AutoUpdate Errors on an M1 Mac
Question details
The user is experiencing continuous Microsoft AutoUpdate error messages on an Apple Silicon Mac, even though Office updates appear to be installing successfully.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS (Apple Silicon M1)
- Scenario
- Updating Microsoft Office applications via the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft AutoUpdate repeatedly displays an error prompt. Standard troubleshooting steps like reinstalling Office and repairing disk permissions do not stop the AutoUpdate errors from appearing.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and close all active Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) before manually updating the AutoUpdate component.
Manually Install the Latest Microsoft AutoUpdate for Apple Silicon
Downloading and installing the most recent, Apple Silicon-optimized version of the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) component directly from Microsoft resolves background installation verification errors.
On M1 Macs, older or corrupted versions of Microsoft AutoUpdate might attempt to run via Rosetta or fail installation verification checks, causing persistent pop-up errors. Replacing it with the current native release typically clears these recurring prompts.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Office for Mac release history page in your web browser and locate the download link for the latest Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) release.
Locate the downloaded .pkg file in your Mac's Downloads folder and double-click it to launch the installation wizard.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the update. You may be required to enter your Mac administrator password to authorize the software installation.
Restart your M1 Mac. Open an Office application like Microsoft Word, click 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to ensure the AutoUpdate utility opens without displaying the previous error.
Avoid AutoUpdate Errors with WPS Office for Mac
Tired of dealing with background update errors and complex installations on your M1 Mac? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and seamlessly optimized alternative for Apple Silicon. Enjoy a complete office suite without the hassle of separate, intrusive update agents.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version specifically optimized for Apple Silicon.
- 2. Install the App: Open the downloaded setup file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to install it.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft AutoUpdate show errors even when Office apps update successfully?
This usually occurs on M1 Macs when the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) background service itself is corrupted, or it is struggling to verify its own installation package due to compatibility layers, even if it manages to successfully download the updates for Word or Excel.
Do I need to uninstall the old Microsoft AutoUpdate before downloading the new one?
Generally, no. Running the latest Microsoft AutoUpdate installer package will automatically overwrite the older, problematic version of the utility without requiring a manual uninstallation.
Can I disable Microsoft AutoUpdate completely on my M1 Mac?
You can turn off automatic app updates by opening an Office app, navigating to Help > Check for Updates, and unchecking the automatic update option. However, the MAU daemon may still run in the background. Manually updating the utility is the most effective way to stop the error prompts entirely.
