Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Fix Word and Excel Update Failures on iMac (macOS Sequoia)

Huda Qurayshi Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience update errors when Microsoft AutoUpdate attempts to download and install updates for Word and Excel on an iMac.

How to Fix Word and Excel Update Failures on iMac

Product: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft AutoUpdate
Device & OS: macOS Sequoia (iMac)
Scenario: Updating Microsoft Office applications via AutoUpdate on a Mac.
Observed behavior: AutoUpdate downloads the updates but fails to install them, often due to duplicate or outdated app copies, displaying an update error.

Before you start

Ensure your iMac is connected to a stable internet connection and that you have at least 5GB of free storage space available for downloading and applying Office updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Duplicate Office Installations and Run AutoUpdate

Conflicting outdated copies of Word or Excel can prevent Microsoft AutoUpdate from applying new versions correctly. Deleting them resolves most update errors.

When multiple versions or outdated copies of Microsoft Office apps are present on your iMac, AutoUpdate may target the wrong file or fail to overwrite existing data. Removing duplicates ensures the updater has a clear path to upgrade your active application.

Open the Applications folder

Launch Finder on your iMac and select 'Applications' from the left sidebar.

Locate duplicate applications

Look for multiple copies of Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel (for example, files named 'Microsoft Word copy' or older versions).

Delete outdated copies

Drag the duplicate or outdated application files to the Trash. Make sure to keep only the single active, current version of each app.

Restart and check for updates

Empty the Trash and restart your iMac. Open your remaining Word or Excel app, click 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to run AutoUpdate again.

Remove Duplicate Office Installations and Run AutoUpdate

Restarting the Mac: Restarting your iMac after deleting duplicate files clears lingering system caches and helps AutoUpdate properly identify your software version.

Solution 2

Verify Storage Space and Process Large Updates

If your iMac has missed several updates, the download size will be significantly larger and requires adequate disk space to unpack and install.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Mac – No Complicated Updates Required

If Microsoft AutoUpdate continues to fail on your iMac, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that seamlessly handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files natively on macOS without the frustrating update errors.

1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for macOS.
2. Install the application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon directly into your Applications folder.
3. Open your files directly: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word or Excel documents with perfect format retention.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight Mac installation with fast, hassle-free updates.All-in-one interface to manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft AutoUpdate show a huge download size on my Mac?

A significantly larger download size usually indicates that your Mac has missed several consecutive updates. AutoUpdate must download a comprehensive package to bring your software fully up to date.

Where do I find Microsoft AutoUpdate on macOS Sequoia?

Microsoft AutoUpdate is normally launched from within an Office application. Open Word or Excel, click on the 'Help' menu at the top of the Mac screen, and select 'Check for Updates'.

Will deleting duplicate Office apps delete my documents?

No, deleting duplicate application files from the Applications folder only removes the software executable. Your personal Word and Excel files are stored safely in your Documents folder or iCloud.

Installation & Activation