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Fix Microsoft AutoUpdate Upgrade Required for Office 2019 Mac
Question details
The user is receiving a notification from Microsoft AutoUpdate stating that Office 2019 for Mac apps require an upgrade, despite already running version 16.78.3.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Sonoma
- Scenario
- Checking for updates or launching Word, Excel, and PowerPoint via Microsoft AutoUpdate on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft AutoUpdate displays an 'Upgrade Required' message for the Office applications, even though the user is running the final build for their license.
Verify your current version of Microsoft Office by opening Word or Excel, clicking on the app name in the top menu bar, and selecting 'About Word' or 'About Excel' to ensure you are on version 16.78.3.
Continue Using Office 2019 Version 16.78.3
Since version 16.78.3 is the final supported release for Office 2019, you can ignore the prompt and disable AutoUpdate to continue using your current software without paying for an upgrade.
Office 2019 for Mac officially reached its End of Support on October 10, 2023. Because Microsoft AutoUpdate detects newer builds (version 16.79 and above) available for Microsoft 365, it flags your older software as requiring an upgrade.
Your current version (16.78.3) is fully functional on macOS Sonoma, but newer updates strictly require a newer Office license.
Simply close the Microsoft AutoUpdate window when the 'Upgrade Required' message appears.
Launch Microsoft AutoUpdate from your Mac's Applications folder, or click 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' inside any Office application.
Uncheck the box that says 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date'. This prevents AutoUpdate from continuously scanning for and prompting you about versions your 2019 license does not cover.
Upgrade to a Supported Microsoft Office License
If you require the latest security updates, bug fixes, and features, you will need to purchase a newer license.
Upgrade Your Mac Productivity with WPS Office for Free
If your Office 2019 for Mac has reached the end of its life and you don't want to pay for an expensive Microsoft 365 subscription, switch to WPS Office. It is a powerful, free alternative that offers continuous updates and full compatibility with macOS without the recurring costs.
- 1. Download the Mac Installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the official setup package for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Office 2019 for Mac stop receiving updates?
Microsoft operates on a fixed lifecycle policy. Office 2019 for Mac reached its official End of Support on October 10, 2023. After this date, Microsoft stopped providing feature enhancements and security updates.
Will my Office 2019 apps stop working on macOS Sonoma?
No. The final release version (16.78.3) remains functional on macOS Sonoma. You can continue to create, edit, and view documents as usual, though you won't receive future software updates.
How do I stop Microsoft AutoUpdate from constantly popping up?
You can prevent the pop-ups by opening Microsoft AutoUpdate, navigating to its settings or advanced options, and unchecking the 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' feature.
Can I upgrade Office 2019 to Microsoft 365 for free?
No, upgrading to Microsoft 365 requires a paid subscription. If you are looking for a free, continuously supported alternative, you can download and use WPS Office.
