How to Stop Fluent Design Updates in Office Professional Plus 2021
Question details
The user wants to prevent Office Professional Plus 2021 from automatically installing the Fluent Design interface update.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user prefers the classic interface and wants to block the mandatory rollout of the new Fluent Design UI.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2021 continues to automatically install the Fluent Design interface, overriding previous attempts to disable or revert the update.
Disabling automatic Office updates to block the Fluent Design UI will also prevent your system from receiving important security patches and bug fixes.
Disable Automatic Updates in Office Account Settings
The most direct method to stop the Fluent Design interface from installing is to turn off all automatic updates for Office 2021.
Be aware that stopping automatic updates means you will need to manually check for and install critical security patches to keep your software safe.
Launch any Office 2021 application, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Click on 'File' in the top-left menu, then select 'Account' from the left-hand sidebar.
Under the 'Office Updates' section, click the 'Update Options' drop-down button to expand the menu.
Select 'Disable Updates' from the list. If prompted by the Windows User Account Control (UAC), click 'Yes' to confirm the change.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Classic Interface
If Microsoft Office 2021's forced Fluent Design updates disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative with a familiar user interface that avoids unexpected, forced redesigns.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open your files: Open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly in WPS Office without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable only the Fluent Design update without stopping security updates?
Currently, Microsoft bundles UI updates like Fluent Design with general security and feature updates. You cannot isolate and block only the interface changes through standard Office settings.
Why does my Office update option turn itself back on?
Sometimes Windows Update or background Office maintenance tasks can override user settings. If disabling updates via the Account menu doesn't stay applied, check your Windows Update advanced settings or reach out to Microsoft Support.
How do I revert to the old Office interface if Fluent Design is already installed?
If the update is already applied, look for a megaphone icon (the 'Coming Soon' feature) in the top right corner of Word or Excel. Clicking it may reveal a toggle to turn off the new experience, though Microsoft often removes this option once the UI becomes permanent.
