Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Install an Older Version of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise

Bushra Parveen Oct 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to roll back Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise to an earlier build to resolve compatibility issues caused by a recent update.

How to Install an Older Version of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise

Product: Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reverting to a specific older Office build after a recent update broke compatibility with existing software or add-ins.
Observed behavior: A newly installed Office update disrupts normal workflows and creates compatibility errors, requiring a downgrade to restore stable functionality.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer and temporarily disable automatic Office updates to prevent Microsoft 365 from immediately upgrading back to the problematic version after the rollback.

Solution 1Recommended

Revert to an earlier version using the Office Deployment Tool

Using Microsoft's Office Deployment Tool (ODT) is the standard, reliable method to install a specific previous build of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise.

The Office Deployment Tool allows administrators to download and configure custom installations of Microsoft 365 Apps. By creating a specific XML configuration file, you can instruct the tool to download a target older version and disable future automatic updates.

Download the Office Deployment Tool

Download the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) from the Microsoft Download Center and extract the files to a dedicated, easy-to-find folder on your local drive (e.g., C:\ODT).

Create the XML configuration file

In the ODT folder, create a new text file and name it config.xml. Open it in Notepad to define your rollback settings.

Input your configuration settings

Paste the required XML syntax into your config.xml file, specifying your exact edition, channel, and target version. For example: <Configuration><Add OfficeClientEdition="64" Channel="Broad" Version="16.0.15601.20456"><Product ID="O365ProPlusRetail"><Language ID="en-us" /></Product></Add><Updates Enabled="FALSE" /></Configuration>.

Run the configuration via Command Prompt

Search for 'cmd' in the Windows start menu, right-click Command Prompt, and select 'Run as administrator'. Use the 'cd' command to navigate to your ODT folder (e.g., type cd C:\ODT and press Enter).

Execute the deployment command

Type 'setup.exe /configure config.xml' in the command prompt and press Enter. The Office installation window will appear and begin installing the specified older version.

Revert to an earlier version using the Office Deployment Tool

Keep a backup of your XML file: Save a backup copy of your configured config.xml file. This allows you to quickly deploy the same stable version to other devices experiencing the exact same compatibility problems.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office to Avoid Frustrating Update Issues

If mandatory Microsoft 365 updates frequently disrupt your workflow or break add-in compatibility, WPS Office offers a highly stable, lightweight alternative. Enjoy robust features and an interface you already know without the hassle of complex rollbacks.

1. Download and install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Set as default: After installation, open the settings and set WPS Office as your default application to handle Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files natively.

Highly compatible with standard Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation that does not force disruptive, workflow-breaking automatic background updates.Familiar user interface ensures a seamless migration with almost zero learning curve.A completely free alternative to expensive enterprise software licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the exact version number for older Microsoft 365 builds?

You can find the complete list of version and build numbers for Microsoft 365 Apps by visiting the official Microsoft 'Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps' documentation page online.

Will rolling back my Office version delete my existing documents or spreadsheets?

No, downgrading your Microsoft 365 application version only affects the software files. Your personal files, documents, and spreadsheets saved on your local drive or in cloud storage will remain perfectly intact.

How do I stop Microsoft 365 from automatically updating again after I roll back?

You can prevent automatic updates by including the <Updates Enabled="FALSE" /> tag in your ODT XML configuration file, or by opening any Office app, navigating to File > Account > Update Options, and clicking 'Disable Updates'.

What should I do if the command prompt says 'setup.exe is not recognized'?

This error occurs if you are not running the command from the exact folder where the Office Deployment Tool is extracted. Ensure you use the 'cd' command to navigate to the correct directory (e.g., cd C:\ODT) before executing the setup command.

Installation & Activation