Should Office Professional Plus 2016 Users Install Microsoft 365 Updates?
Question details
Users are receiving Microsoft 365 update prompts while using Office Professional Plus 2016 and are unsure if installing them will replace their current perpetual license with a subscription trial.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Navigating software update prompts intended for a different licensing model.
- Observed behavior
- The system continuously prompts the user to install Microsoft 365 updates despite having a permanent Office 2016 installation.
Verify your current Office version by opening Word or Excel, clicking on 'File', and selecting 'Account' to see your exact product information.
Safely Ignore or Dismiss Microsoft 365 Update Prompts
Microsoft 365 updates are intended for subscription users and are not required for your Office 2016 perpetual license. You should only install updates specifically designated for Office 2016.
Microsoft 365 updates apply strictly to subscription-based installations. Since Office Professional Plus 2016 is a one-time purchase, it utilizes a different update and licensing channel.
While inadvertently installing a Microsoft 365 update does not normally uninstall or replace Office 2016, it can cause licensing conflicts or unnecessary bloat. It is recommended to use the built-in Office 2016 update mechanism to keep your software secure without merging subscription components.
Open any Office application (like Word), click 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'. Look under 'Product Information' to confirm it says Office Professional Plus 2016.
Still in the 'Account' menu, click the 'Update Options' button and select 'Update Now'. This ensures you are fetching the correct security patches and bug fixes intended for your 2016 license.
If you see a yellow banner or a pop-up window prompting you to upgrade or install Microsoft 365 features, simply click the 'X' to close the prompt. Do not click 'Update' or 'Install' on these specific subscription banners.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Licensing and Update Confusion
Tired of confusing upgrade prompts and managing different update channels? WPS Office provides a streamlined, highly compatible office suite without aggressive subscription upsells.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Office Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without any format conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will installing a Microsoft 365 update delete my Office 2016 installation?
Generally, no. Installing a Microsoft 365 update does not automatically uninstall Office 2016. However, it may install shared components that could cause licensing confusion. It is best to avoid them and stick to your product's native updates.
Does Office Professional Plus 2016 still receive security updates?
Yes, Microsoft provides security updates for Office 2016 until its end of extended support date on October 14, 2025. You should continue to install these security patches via Windows Update or the Account menu.
How do I stop the 'Get Microsoft 365' upgrade banners?
You can dismiss the banners directly in the app. In some cases, fully updating your Office 2016 software via the 'File' > 'Account' > 'Update Options' menu will reduce the frequency of these promotional prompts.
