Stop Microsoft 365 Update Notices on Unsupported Mac
Question details
Users running an unsupported macOS version continue to receive Microsoft 365 update notifications and experience read-only document issues.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina 10.15.7
- Scenario
- Trying to work in Microsoft 365 on an older Mac without continuous update interruptions.
- Observed behavior
- Constant prompts to update Microsoft 365 appear despite the OS being unsupported, and some files open in read-only mode.
Ensure your Microsoft applications are closed before making changes to update settings or navigating system application support folders.
Disable Automatic Updates via the Help Menu
Turn off the auto-update feature directly within the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility.
Launch Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your Mac.
Click on 'Help' in the top menu bar and select 'Check for Updates'.
In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, uncheck the box that says 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' and close the window.
Rename or Move the Microsoft AutoUpdate Folder
If you cannot disable updates via the menu, manually renaming the updater folder will prevent notifications from triggering.
Resolve Read-Only File Issues
Fix read-only limitations caused by licensing issues rather than system update notices.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
If Microsoft 365 no longer supports your Mac's operating system, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative that guarantees compatibility without forced update loops.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the WPS Office website and download the macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the App: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office to open, edit, and save your existing Office documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Microsoft 365 files open as read-only on macOS Catalina?
Read-only behavior in Microsoft 365 is usually caused by an expired license, corrupted login credentials, or folder permissions, not the unsupported OS update notices. Signing out and signing back into your Microsoft account often resolves this.
Where is the Microsoft AutoUpdate daemon located?
The updater is located in '/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0'. If you cannot find it by clicking through folders, use the 'Go to Folder' tool in Finder (Cmd+Shift+G) to enter the exact path.
Will Microsoft 365 stop working on my unsupported Mac?
No, your currently installed versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will continue to function normally on macOS Catalina. You simply will not receive any further security or feature updates.
