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How to Stop Microsoft AutoUpdate from Starting Repeatedly on Mac
Question details
The user wants to stop Microsoft AutoUpdate from launching repeatedly on their Mac, even when the software is already up to date.
- Product
- Microsoft AutoUpdate (Microsoft Office)
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Using Microsoft Office applications on a Mac
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft AutoUpdate opens multiple times a day attempting to update itself, creating an annoying loop despite having the latest current version installed.
Before troubleshooting, check which version of Microsoft AutoUpdate is currently installed on your Mac by opening the AutoUpdate app and selecting 'About Microsoft AutoUpdate' from the top menu bar.
Manually Install the Latest Microsoft AutoUpdate Release
Downloading and installing the most recent AutoUpdate package directly from Microsoft can resolve bugs causing the recurring update loop.
Often, the auto-update tool gets caught in a corrupted cache loop where it fails to recognize its own version number. Manually overwriting it with the newest direct installer from Microsoft's official servers can clear this error.
Close all Microsoft Office applications running on your Mac, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the AutoUpdate window itself.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Mac update release history page.
Locate and download the latest version of the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) installer package.
Double-click the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
Restart your Mac to ensure all background update services are refreshed, then monitor if the AutoUpdate prompts continue.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Constant AutoUpdate Interruptions
Tired of Microsoft AutoUpdate disrupting your workflow on Mac? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative without the annoyance of recurring update loops. Enjoy a seamless productivity experience that respects your time and device resources.
- 1. Download the Installer: Go to the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office application icon into your Mac's Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files without any conversion or formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just uninstall Microsoft AutoUpdate to stop the pop-ups?
While it is possible to delete the Microsoft AutoUpdate application from your Mac's Library/Application Support/Microsoft folder, doing so will prevent your Office apps from receiving critical security and feature updates. It is highly recommended to manually update the tool first to fix the loop rather than removing it entirely.
Where can I find the currently installed version of Microsoft AutoUpdate?
Open Microsoft AutoUpdate on your Mac, click on 'Microsoft AutoUpdate' in the top Mac menu bar next to the Apple logo, and select 'About Microsoft AutoUpdate'. The version number (such as 4.78 or 4.79) will be displayed in the resulting pop-up window.
Why does AutoUpdate think it needs an update when it's already current?
This is usually caused by a caching bug or a corrupted installation file within the AutoUpdate software itself. The app fails to register that the installation was successful, triggering the prompt again. A manual override using the latest installer package from Microsoft's website typically resets this behavior.
