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How to Stop Microsoft AutoUpdate from Appearing in the Mac Dock
Question details
The user wants to stop Microsoft AutoUpdate from continuously appearing or bouncing in the macOS Dock.
- Product
- Microsoft AutoUpdate (Office for Mac)
- Device & OS
- MacBook Pro (macOS)
- Scenario
- Using a Mac with Microsoft Office installed, where background update checks constantly trigger the AutoUpdate icon.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft AutoUpdate repeatedly appears in the Mac Dock without any user prompt or action, causing a visual distraction.
Before modifying Microsoft AutoUpdate settings or installing new packages, make sure you have saved all your work and fully quit active Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Manually Update Microsoft AutoUpdate
Often, glitches in older versions of AutoUpdate cause it to randomly appear in the Dock. Updating to the latest release usually resolves this persistent notification behavior.
Microsoft frequently releases patches to fix bugs related to background services. By downloading the newest package directly from Microsoft Support, you can overwrite the glitchy software causing the AutoUpdate icon to bounce.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Support website to download the latest version of the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) package.
Locate the downloaded .pkg file in your Downloads folder, double-click it, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'Restart'. Once your Mac reboots, the AutoUpdate icon should no longer randomly appear in the Dock.
Disable Automatic Updates via Application Settings
If you do not want Microsoft apps to update automatically, you can change the AutoUpdate settings to manual, preventing the app from launching on its own.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Background Update Interruptions
Tired of intrusive background updaters like Microsoft AutoUpdate slowing down your Mac or cluttering your Dock? WPS Office offers a seamless, lightweight, and completely free alternative that gives you full control over your software without annoying pop-ups.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of the software.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and easily drag and drop your existing Microsoft Office files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely delete Microsoft AutoUpdate from my Mac?
Yes, you can manually delete it by navigating to Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Microsoft, locating the MAU or MAU2.0 folder, and moving Microsoft AutoUpdate to the Trash. However, doing this prevents all future Office updates, which may leave your apps vulnerable to security risks.
Why does Microsoft AutoUpdate keep bouncing in the Dock?
It usually bounces when it requires your permission to install a pending update, when a download fails, or if there is a known glitch in the current version of the auto-updater software that causes it to loop.
Will uninstalling AutoUpdate break my Microsoft Office apps?
No, your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications will continue to function normally. However, you will miss out on important security patches and new features unless you download and install them manually.
