What Does Microsoft Ending Updates for Store-Installed Office Apps Mean for Your Security?

How Will Microsoft’s Shift Away from Store-Installed Office Apps Affect You?

Microsoft is planning a big change to how Office apps, like Word and Excel, are updated and installed on your computer. This shift could affect how your apps get new features and stay safe from hackers. Here’s what’s happening and what you can do to stay protected.

Microsoft’s Change: Ending Store-Installed Office Updates

Soon, Microsoft will stop updating Office apps that were installed from the Windows Store. This means if you got your Office apps by clicking “Get” or “Download” in the Windows Store, your apps will no longer get new features after October 2025. Security updates—the ones that protect you from viruses and cyber attacks—will stop coming after December 2026. After those dates, your apps won’t keep up with the latest tools or safety patches.

Microsoft wants everyone to use another method called “Click-to-Run” to install and update Office. This way is safer, faster, and gives more people the newest features quickly.

Two Ways to Install Office: What’s the Difference?

Office apps on Windows can be installed in two main ways:

Microsoft Store

Easy to get and install. The apps look the same, but updates are slower and tied to the Windows Update schedule. There are limits for businesses—admins can’t control updates well, and people can’t set up special options for big companies.

Click-to-Run

Uses a special .exe installer. Updates are faster and easier to manage. People can start using apps right away, even if the full download isn’t finished. Great for companies with lots of computers because admins can control updates, settings, and security from one place.

Why Did Microsoft Make This Decision?

Microsoft has always focused on helping big businesses run well. The Click-to-Run method works better for companies that need to set up Office on lots of computers, keep everything safe, and manage updates simply.

• Customization: Click-to-Run lets companies set up apps in special ways.
• Faster Updates: New tools and features come out sooner.
• Better Security: Security patches get delivered quickly to all users.
• Easy for Admins: Everything can be managed in one spot.

What Should You Do Next?

You don’t need to buy anything new. Switching is free for current Microsoft 365 users. Here’s how to check your Office app and upgrade if you need to.

How to Check Which Installation Type You Have

1. Open any Office app, like Word.
2. Click “File.”
3. Click “Account” at the bottom left.
4. Look on the right. Next to “About Word,” you’ll see either “Microsoft Store” or “Click-to-Run.”
   • If you see Click-to-Run, your apps will keep getting new updates.
   • If you see Microsoft Store, you need to upgrade.

How to Upgrade to Click-to-Run

1. Save your work and close all Office apps.
2. Visit the Microsoft 365 Download Page.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account (the one used for Office).
4. Click the “Download” button to get the Office Deployment Tool.
5. Double-click the downloaded file. It will remove the Store version and install Office with Click-to-Run.

The process is automatic and only takes a few minutes.

What Will Change for You?

Regular Users

• The change is almost invisible. Your apps will look and work the same, but you’ll get new tools as soon as they’re released.
• Your apps will be safer from new threats.
• Some advanced features, like Copilot, may require a subscription.

IT Admins

• Managing many computers will be easier.
• Updates, activations, and special company settings can be done faster.
• Makes big deployments smoother and more secure.

Why Acting Now Matters

After December 2026, old Store-installed Office apps won’t get security fixes. Hackers can target outdated software, risking your files, privacy, and business. Upgrading to Click-to-Run keeps you safe and gives you the best features.

Staying informed and updating now ensures your digital life runs smoothly and safely.