How to Turn Off the Yellow Updates Available Banner in Microsoft Office
Question details
The user wants to permanently hide the persistent yellow 'Updates Available' banner in Microsoft Office applications.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using Microsoft Word, Excel, or other Office applications when an intrusive update notification banner appears.
- Observed behavior
- A yellow 'Updates Available' banner repeatedly appears at the top of the screen in Office applications and must be manually dismissed, even after automatic update options are disabled in settings.
Before making any changes to the Windows Registry, it is highly recommended to export a backup of the registry or create a System Restore point, as incorrect modifications can cause system instability.
Modify the Registry to Hide the Updates Banner
Change the UpdatesBlockedTime registry key value to 0 to prevent the banner from appearing in Office apps.
This method involves editing the Windows Registry to manually suppress the update notification banner for Microsoft Office Click-to-Run installations. Proceed with caution and ensure you have backed up your registry before proceeding.
Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type 'regedit' and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by the User Account Control screen.
In the Registry Editor address bar, paste or carefully navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun\Updates
In the right pane, locate the entry named 'UpdatesBlockedTime'. Double-click on it and change its Value data to '0'. Click OK to save the changes.
Close the Registry Editor and completely exit any open Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applications. Reopen the application for the changes to take effect.
Submit Feedback to Microsoft
If the registry workaround does not resolve the issue or you prefer an official fix, request a feature update directly from Microsoft.
Switch to WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Experience
Tired of intrusive update banners and complicated registry fixes in Microsoft Office? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that gives you full control over your document editing experience without forced interruptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Updates Available banner keep showing even when updates are disabled?
Microsoft Office Click-to-Run installations are designed to periodically check for security and feature updates. Even if you turn off automatic updates in your Account settings, the software may still trigger the notification banner to ensure you are aware of pending critical updates.
How do I turn off the yellow 'AutoSave is turned off' banner?
The AutoSave banner is completely separate from the update notification banner. To disable the AutoSave notification, you typically need to manage your save preferences by going to File > Options > Save, and configuring your default save locations, though the exact method to hide the banner permanently may depend on your specific Office 365 version.
Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry to remove the update banner?
Editing the registry can be risky if done incorrectly, as it controls essential system operations. Always make sure to right-click the specific folder you are editing and select 'Export' to create a backup file before changing any values.
