Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Restore Missing Update Options in Word and PowerPoint for Mac

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to find the Update option in Microsoft Office applications on Mac and needs to know how to update them or restore the missing feature.

How to Restore Missing Update Options in Word and PowerPoint for Mac

Product: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to update Office applications or join the Office Insider program, but the standard update option is absent from the application menu.
Observed behavior: The Update option is missing in Microsoft Office applications, and Microsoft AutoUpdate does not list the applications to fetch new updates.

Before you start

Verify whether your Microsoft Office applications were originally downloaded from the Mac App Store or directly from the Microsoft website, as this determines how your updates are handled.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Office Applications through the Mac App Store

If you installed Office from the Mac App Store, updates are handled directly by Apple's store, which is why the update option is missing from the app menu.

Applications downloaded from the Mac App Store bypass Microsoft AutoUpdate. To get the latest versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote, you need to use the native App Store update mechanism.

Open the Mac App Store

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'App Store', or launch it directly from your Mac's Dock or Launchpad.

Navigate to the Updates Tab

Click on 'Updates' located in the left sidebar. The App Store will check for any pending updates for all your installed applications.

Update Microsoft Office

Locate Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel in the list of available updates. Click the 'Update' button next to each application, or click 'Update All' at the top right to install all pending updates.

Update Office Applications through the Mac App Store

Enable Automatic Updates: You can turn on automatic updates in the App Store settings (App Store > Settings > Automatic Updates) so your Office applications stay up to date without manual checks.

Solution 2

Reinstall Office Directly to Restore Microsoft AutoUpdate

If you prefer using Microsoft AutoUpdate or want to join the Office Insider program, you must uninstall the App Store version and install Office directly from Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Mac for a Hassle-Free Experience

Tired of dealing with complicated update channels, missing buttons, and separate installations? WPS Office offers a lightweight, all-in-one alternative to Microsoft Office. It integrates Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet into a single, easy-to-manage application.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office for Mac installer.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with perfect formatting.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.All-in-one suite design means you only have one application to install and update.Built-in seamless update mechanism guarantees you always have the newest features without confusion.Free to use with a familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I join the Office Insider program with the Mac App Store version?

Apple's Mac App Store policies restrict early-access beta testing channels like the Office Insider program. To access Beta or Insider channels, you must install Office directly from the Microsoft website.

Will uninstalling the App Store version of Office delete my documents?

No, dragging the applications to the Trash will not delete your personal files. However, it is always best practice to back up your local files before uninstalling software.

Can I force Microsoft AutoUpdate to recognize my App Store installation?

No. Microsoft AutoUpdate is explicitly designed to only recognize and update applications installed via Microsoft's standalone installer. App Store installations rely entirely on the Mac App Store's update tab.

Installation & Activation