Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Stop Microsoft Office Apps from Updating While You Work

Natalie Taylor Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent Microsoft Office applications from automatically updating and closing while they are actively working on documents.

Stop Microsoft Office Apps from Updating While You Work

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Working on important tasks and needing to avoid unexpected application closures triggered by background software updates.
Observed behavior: Office applications suddenly close or interrupt the user's active workflow to install background software updates.

Before you start

Save all your current documents and ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows computer to modify application update settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Automatic Updates via Office Account Settings

Turn off automatic updates directly from the File menu to prevent Microsoft Office from interrupting your active sessions.

By disabling automatic updates in your Office account settings, you regain control over when patches and new features are installed.

It is highly recommended to use this method temporarily. Once you have finished your critical work, you should manually check for updates to ensure your software remains secure.

Open an Office Application

Launch Microsoft Word, Excel, or any other Office application on your Windows computer and open a blank document.

Navigate to Account Settings

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Account' (or 'Office Account' depending on your version) from the left-hand sidebar menu.

Disable Updates

Locate the 'Update Options' button under the Product Information section. Click it to open the drop-down menu, and select 'Disable Updates'.

Confirm Changes

If prompted by the Windows User Account Control (UAC), click 'Yes' to allow the application to make changes to your device.

Disable Automatic Updates via Office Account Settings

Security Reminder: Disabling updates can leave Office exposed to missing security and feature fixes. Remember to select 'Enable Updates' and click 'Update Now' when your work is safely saved.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for an Uninterrupted Workflow

Tired of unexpected application restarts and heavy background updates? WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that gives you complete control over your workspace without forceful interruptions.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free, lightweight installer for your operating system.
2. Install the Suite: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation process. It takes only a few moments and requires minimal system resources.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without worrying about format conversion or data loss.

No forceful background updates that close your work unexpectedly.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Lightweight installation ensures your PC runs smoothly and efficiently.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Office updates affect my computer's security?

Yes, keeping Microsoft Office updates disabled long-term can leave your applications vulnerable to security threats and missing out on bug fixes. You should re-enable them or manually update when it is convenient.

How do I manually update Microsoft Office after disabling automatic updates?

To manually update, open any Office app, go to File > Account, click on the Update Options button, select Enable Updates, and then click Update Now to install the latest patches.

Can I stop Office updates from happening on a Mac?

Yes. On a Mac, you can manage updates by opening Microsoft AutoUpdate (accessible via the Help menu > Check for Updates in any Office app) and unchecking the option to automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date.

Installation & Activation