Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Manage Microsoft 365 Apps Updates with Intune Licensing

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know which licenses are required and how to configure Intune settings to manage updates, channels, and deadlines for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows devices.

Product: Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft Intune
Device & OS: Windows 10 and later
Scenario: Deploying and managing update policies for organizational desktop applications through a centralized device management portal.
Observed behavior: The goal is to successfully set up Administrative Templates in Intune to govern Microsoft 365 app update behaviors without running into licensing or outdated template issues.

Before you start

Verify that your organization has an active Microsoft Intune subscription and that users are assigned a license containing the desktop Microsoft 365 applications, such as Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, E3, or E5.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Microsoft 365 Apps Update Settings via Administrative Templates

Use this recommended method to create a configuration profile in Intune that natively dictates when and how Office desktop apps receive updates.

Microsoft Intune allows administrators to push policy settings directly to Windows 10 and later devices. By using Administrative Templates, you can control the update channels, automatic update behaviors, and installation deadlines.

Access the Intune Admin Center

Log in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune admin center) using an account with the necessary administrator privileges.

Create a new Configuration Profile

Navigate to 'Devices', then select 'Configuration profiles' and click on 'Create profile'. Choose 'Windows 10 and later' as the platform.

Select Administrative Templates

For the profile type, select 'Templates' and then choose 'Administrative Templates'. Give the profile a recognizable name and click Next.

Configure Update Settings

In the configuration settings search bar, look for 'Microsoft 365 Apps update settings'. Enable the policies you need, such as setting the update channel, toggling automatic updates, or enforcing a deadline.

Assign and Synchronize

Assign the new configuration profile to the appropriate user or device groups. Once saved, the targeted devices will apply the new policies upon their next synchronization cycle.

Licensing Requirement Notice: Basic licenses like Microsoft 365 F1 may not be sufficient for managing desktop apps. Ensure your users are licensed for E3, E5, or Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise.

Solution 2

Manually Import the Latest Office ADMX Templates

Use this solution if your Intune environment only displays settings for older Office versions like Office 2010, 2013, or 2016.

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manage Microsoft 365 Apps updates with a Microsoft 365 F1 license?

No, a Microsoft 365 F1 license generally does not include full desktop applications, making it insufficient for this task. You will need a license such as Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, E3, or E5.

Why do I only see update settings for older Office versions (2010, 2013, 2016) in Intune?

If you cannot find the settings for Microsoft 365 Apps, you may need to manually download the latest Office Administrative Template files (ADMX/ADML) from the Microsoft Download Center and import them into your Intune environment.

How quickly do Microsoft 365 Apps update policies apply to Intune-managed devices?

After the configuration profile is assigned, policies are applied during the device's next scheduled check-in with the Intune service. You can also manually trigger a device sync from the Company Portal or Windows settings to speed up the process.

Installation & Activation