In MS Word for Mac, how do I stop an update notice when I've already updated?

[gogreen1]

For the last few days, while using Word and Excel for Mac (both version 16.16.27), I've started getting an update notice on documents. When I click in the notice on "Check for Updates," Autoupdate shows that I am up to date. How do I stop this alert from appearing?

 

[Raz0rEdge]

I'm running the O365 suite and Excel is at 16.44 and Word is at 16.45. So something might be off with the update process.

 

[ferrarr]

Maybe there are other apps that requires updating?

Have you restarted since the updates?

 

[chscag]

My version of Word is the same as that of Ashwin, but we are both running O365. It appears @gogreen1 is running the stand alone version of Office.

The Office auto updater hides itself in several places. Sometimes difficult to find. If you can find it, it can be removed and then you can manually check for updates.

Here is one way to find where it is and remove it:

Click on your Apple menu, About this Mac, System Report, Applications, Microsoft Auto Update.

Click on the Microsoft Auto Update and it should show you where it's located.

Here is where it shows on my system:

/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app

 

[gogreen1]

Thanks, chscag. I am running the standalone version of Office. I found the Microsoft AutoUpdate.app and removed it. I downloaded a fresh copy of the AutoUpdate app and restarted, but I'm still getting the update alert when I load a document in either Word or Excel. Update doesn't show any new files.

 

[gogreen1]

In addition, I suppose if I'm removing the old Microsoft AutoUpdate app, then I should also remove all of its associated files before installing fresh copy, right?

 

[chscag]

Yeah, that would be a good idea. However, you do not really need the autoupdate app. No need to reinstall it. Like I said above, you can get updates by using the manual method "check for updates". Or even by going to the MS site and downloading them manually.

The autoupdate app will only wind up nagging you.

 

[gogreen1]

Or even by going to the MS site and downloading them manually.

Ah, OK. I'll try that. Thanks.

 

[gogreen1]

I think I found the problem. Microsoft ended support for Office 2016, so now they're pestering me about upgrading instead of updating.

 

[chscag]

Yes, that's a different notice. MS would love to have everyone on Office 365. What I don't understand about the MS thinking is that they recently announced that they would publish one more stand alone version of Office. Office 2021?

Maybe more of Microsoft's vaporware, but we will wait and see. Also... MS just issued updates for Windows Office 2010, a program that is 10 years old. I guess MS thinks Mac users are still the "step child".

 

[gogreen1]

I much prefer the standalone version, but I'm not ready to spend $150 to replace two programs that are only a few years old. So I'll just wait and live with the annoying upgrade message. At least it has a removal ("X") button, so as it appears, I just zap it. Same with that "Welcome Back" message.

 

[michaelakern]

I am fortunate that my company provides Office365 for me

 

[GerdSchnepel]

For the last few days, while using Word and Excel for Mac (both version 16.16.27), I've started getting an update notice on documents. When I click in the notice on "Check for Updates," Autoupdate shows that I am up to date. How do I stop this alert from appearing? View attachment 33266

SAME WITH ME!

Yes, that's a different notice. MS would love to have everyone on Office 365. What I don't understand about the MS thinking is that they recently announced that they would publish one more stand alone version of Office. Office 2021?

Maybe more of Microsoft's vaporware, but we will wait and see. Also... MS just issued updates for Windows Office 2010, a program that is 10 years old. I guess MS thinks Mac users are still the "step child".

I experienced a lot of mistakes, inconsistencies, stupidities etc. in Word and Excel. And MS asks for feedback! Does it make any sense to write them and send them all these observations or don't they care anyway?

 

[chscag]

Does it make any sense to write them and send them all these observations or don't they care anyway?

Sure, why not? Users giving feedback to MS or Apple is a way for their decision makers to learn and understand what their customers like or dislike.

 

[lori5060]

For the last few days, while using Word and Excel for Mac (both version 16.16.27), I've started getting an update notice on documents. When I click in the notice on "Check for Updates," Autoupdate shows that I am up to date. How do I stop this alert from appearing? View attachment 33266

hi go green... I too have a standalone ms office program. I also have these annoying pop ups for updates which are no longer available for office 2016. I dont have ethernet cable and probably will not go that route. like you say... there is always the "X" to click pop up prompt off.

I thought I had read somewhere on this site.... click on update prompt, advanced and mine shows... current channel..... click Current channel preview or beta channel.
wonder if that would work?? not sure that that means tho... think it is a test version?

 

[gogreen1]

Thanks, but it doesn't work. Word's only option, as far as I can tell, is to buy the new version.

 

[usagora]

Thanks, chscag. I am running the standalone version of Office. I found the Microsoft AutoUpdate.app and removed it. I downloaded a fresh copy of the AutoUpdate app and restarted, but I'm still getting the update alert when I load a document in either Word or Excel. Update doesn't show any new files.
View attachment 33270

Just FYI - that "Up-To-Date" in your screenshot is referring to the Microsoft AutoUpdate app itself, not Word or any other Office app. When I open Microsoft AutoUpdate, this is what i see:


I'm not sure why your Office apps aren't listed like they are in my screenshot above. A re-install of Office altogether might be in order.

I'm a Microsoft 365 subscriber, though. I don't use the "standalone" versions. I'm really not sure why so many are opposed to subscribing, unless you rarely use these apps or something. It's literally less than 20 cents per day to have the latest version of 7 different apps plus 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage, and the apps can be installed on ALL your devices.

 

[usagora]

Does it make any sense to write them and send them all these observations or don't they care anyway?

I reported something unusual just last month using the "Send Feedback to Microsoft" smiley face button at the top right of the Office apps, and received an actual human reply within 24-hours:

 

[lori5060]

Thanks, but it doesn't work. Word's only option, as far as I can tell, is to buy the new version.

I think ive fixed this!!

I went into notifications on my MacBook and unchecked everything one of MS Office programs. then opened some docs from my desktop and no update notification. hope this has solved the issue.

 

[Rod]

I have much the same problem on the stand alone version of MS Office for MacOS 2016 but it is not a system Notification. It appears as below.



Of course clicking Check for Updates does nothing other than tell me about the apps that do not require attention and no update option is available for the "4 apps require attention." So I just ignore it or X it. I am not about to switch to 365 nor do I want to spend $150.00 to instal the 2019 version which is still available if you search hard enough.
Thats not to mention the work required to uninstall all the elements of the 2016 version then download the whole package again, register and verify it.