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How to Disable or Enable Microsoft AutoUpdate on Mac
Question details
The user wants to temporarily disable Microsoft AutoUpdate on a Mac to stop frequent pop-ups, and learn how to re-enable it for future Office app updates.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Dealing with frequent Microsoft AutoUpdate pop-ups interrupting the workflow.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft AutoUpdate opens frequently and automatically on Mac, disrupting the user's focus.
Before making changes to your Mac's Library folders, ensure that all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are completely closed.
Move the Microsoft AutoUpdate Folder to a Safe Location
Relocate the AutoUpdate folder to temporarily prevent it from launching, and move it back when you need to re-enable updates.
This method involves manually moving the Microsoft AutoUpdate folder out of its system directory. Since the system can no longer find the updater application, the automatic pop-ups will stop.
Open Finder, click on 'Go' in the top menu bar, hold down the 'Option' key on your keyboard, and click on 'Library' when it appears in the dropdown menu.
In the Library folder, open 'Application Support', and then find and open the 'Microsoft' folder.
Locate the folder named 'MAU2.0' or 'Microsoft AutoUpdate'. Drag and drop this entire folder to a safe location, such as your Desktop or a dedicated backup folder. Confirm that no copy remains in the original path.
Restart your Mac, or sign out and sign back into your user account to apply the changes.
Try WPS Office for Mac: No Interrupting AutoUpdates
Tired of constant Microsoft AutoUpdate pop-ups on your Mac? Switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly alternative to Microsoft Office without aggressive update prompts.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office for free.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded DMG file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Microsoft Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with perfect formatting compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to disable Microsoft AutoUpdate on Mac?
Yes, it is safe to disable it temporarily if the pop-ups are disruptive to your work. However, keeping your Microsoft Office apps updated is crucial for security patches and new features, so it is highly recommended to re-enable it periodically to check for updates.
How do I manually update Microsoft Office if AutoUpdate is disabled?
If you used the folder relocation method, you must first move the AutoUpdate folder back to 'Library/Application Support/Microsoft'. Once restored, open any Office app (like Word), go to the 'Help' menu at the top, and select 'Check for Updates'.
Why does Microsoft AutoUpdate keep popping up?
Microsoft AutoUpdate runs in the background to ensure your Office applications are up to date. It may pop up frequently if there is a persistent pending update that fails to install, a glitch in the background process, or if it is configured to check for updates on a daily basis.
