How to Fix Missing Update Button in Microsoft Office 2016
Question details
The user needs to find a way to update their Microsoft Office 2016 applications because the standard update button is missing from the software interface.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to manually check for and install updates for Office 2016 applications.
- Observed behavior
- The Update Options button is completely absent from the Account page, usually due to the installation using a volume license or being restricted by organizational policies.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and that you have administrator privileges, as changing system update settings requires elevated access.
Enable Office Updates via Windows Update Settings
Use the built-in Windows Update feature to automatically check for and install updates for other Microsoft products, including Office 2016.
When using certain volume licenses, such as Office 2016 Professional Plus, the in-app update button is intentionally disabled. Instead, Microsoft routes all software updates through the standard Windows Update service to streamline patch management.
Click the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
In Windows 10, click on 'Update & Security'. In Windows 11, select 'Windows Update' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on 'Advanced options' to view additional update settings.
Toggle the switch to 'On' for the setting labeled 'Receive updates for other Microsoft products' (or 'Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows').
Go back to the main Windows Update screen and click 'Check for updates' to download the latest Office 2016 patches.
Contact the IT Administrator for Managed Devices
If you are using a computer provided by your employer or school, updates might be blocked by organizational Group Policy.
Try WPS Office for Hassle-Free Updates and Seamless Compatibility
If you are struggling with complex Microsoft Office update configurations, missing buttons, or expensive volume licenses, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that handles its own updates seamlessly without requiring complex Windows policy configurations.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the latest version.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installation package and follow the on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Update Options button missing in my Office 2016 Account settings?
The update button is usually hidden if you have a Volume License (such as Office 2016 Professional Plus) or if your IT department has intentionally disabled manual updates through system Group Policy.
Will turning on Windows Update for other products update my Office apps automatically?
Yes, enabling 'Receive updates for other Microsoft products' in your Windows Update Advanced Options ensures that your Office 2016 receives critical security patches and feature updates alongside your regular Windows updates.
Can I force an Office 2016 update using the command line if the button is missing?
Standard users generally cannot bypass this if it is restricted by an IT policy. However, system administrators can use the Office Deployment Tool or specific command-line scripts to manually deploy updates across a network.
