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How to Downgrade Microsoft 365 and Revert Office to an Earlier Version
Question details
The user needs to install an older version of Microsoft 365 Apps because a recent update caused problems, bugs, or introduced unwanted features.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A recent Microsoft Office update is disrupting normal workflow, prompting the user to seek a way to roll back the software to a previous stable release.
- Observed behavior
- There is no built-in, one-click rollback option available within the Office applications, requiring a manual downgrade process.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials ready, as you will need to sign back in. You must also identify the specific version number and build you wish to revert to before starting.
Downgrade Microsoft 365 Using the Office Deployment Tool
Since there is no in-app rollback button, you must uninstall the current version and use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) with a custom configuration file to install an older build.
This method requires administrative access to your computer and familiarity with the Command Prompt. Ensure you disable automatic updates in your current Office applications before proceeding so that it does not immediately update again after the downgrade.
Open any Office app (like Word), go to File > Account, click on Update Options, and select Disable Updates.
Open Windows Settings, navigate to Apps > Installed apps, locate Microsoft 365, and click Uninstall.
Visit the Microsoft Download Center to download the Office Deployment Tool (ODT). Run the downloaded file to extract the contents to a local folder on your computer.
Open the extracted folder and edit the configuration.xml file using Notepad. Input your specific Microsoft 365 subscription name, desired update channel, preferred language, and the target previous version number.
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator. Navigate to the folder containing the ODT and run the command 'setup.exe /configure configuration.xml' to begin installing the older version.
Perform a Clean Reinstallation via Account Dashboard
If you are hesitant to use the command-line interface, performing a clean uninstallation and re-downloading from your Microsoft account can sometimes resolve update glitches, although it may not let you target a specific historical build.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Complex Update Rollbacks
Downgrading Microsoft 365 can be a tedious and highly technical process. If recent Office updates are causing workflow disruptions, try WPS Office. It provides a stable, highly compatible, and lightweight suite that handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files flawlessly without forcing disruptive background updates.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite.
- 3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I downgrade just one app like Excel or PowerPoint instead of the whole Microsoft 365 suite?
No, Microsoft 365 is installed as a unified suite. To downgrade, you must uninstall the entire package and reinstall the older version using the Office Deployment Tool; individual applications cannot be reverted separately.
Will I lose my files if I uninstall Microsoft 365 to revert to an older version?
Uninstalling Microsoft 365 only removes the application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations saved locally or on OneDrive will remain intact and accessible after the downgrade is complete.
How do I find out the exact version number to use in the Office Deployment Tool?
You can find a comprehensive list of past build numbers and release dates on Microsoft's official 'Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps' web page. Ensure you select a version that correctly corresponds to your specific update channel.
