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How to Change and Keep the Microsoft 365 Apps Update Channel
Question details
The user needs to configure and lock the Microsoft 365 Apps update channel to prevent it from automatically reverting to the Current Channel.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing software updates and deployment policies in an enterprise environment.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 Apps unexpectedly reverts from the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel to the Current Channel due to conflicting policies or management tools.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on the system and access to your organization's Microsoft 365 admin center or Group Policy management tools.
Review Office Deployment Tool and Group Policy Settings
Check for conflicting XML configurations or enterprise policies that might override the intended update channel.
In many enterprise environments, local settings are overwritten by centralized deployment configurations. You must ensure that all deployment tools are aligned to enforce the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.
Open your Office Deployment Tool configuration XML file and verify that the 'Channel' attribute is specifically set to 'SemiAnnual'.
Open the Group Policy Management Console and navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Office > Updates.
Locate the 'Update Channel' policy, ensure it is set to 'Enabled', and confirm the drop-down menu is specifically configured for 'Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel'.
Check external management tools such as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM) or Intune to ensure no conflicting update profiles are pushing the Current Channel to users.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If managing complex Microsoft 365 update channels and deployment policies is overwhelming for your team, consider WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, easy-to-manage office suite with familiar interfaces, free of forced updates that disrupt your workflow.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free software installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Microsoft Formats: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files without formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Microsoft 365 keep changing back to Current Channel?
This usually happens when an organizational Group Policy, an Intune configuration profile, or a management tool like SCCM enforces a different update channel that repeatedly overrides your local application settings.
What is the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel?
It is a Microsoft 365 Apps update channel that provides new feature updates twice a year (in January and July). It is highly preferred by organizations that need extensive testing time for critical line-of-business applications.
Can I change the Microsoft 365 update channel without reinstalling Office?
Yes, you can alter the update channel using Group Policy, the Office Deployment Tool, or the Microsoft 365 admin center. Once the policy is updated, the changes will apply during the next automatic update cycle, though it may require an application restart.
