How to Disable Automatic Updates in Microsoft Office
Turn off Office auto-updates via the built-in option or the Registry — with the security caveats.
Overview
Microsoft Office updates automatically by default. You can disable this if an update caused issues or you want to control timing. This guide shows how — and why you should re-enable updates once the issue is resolved.
Warning: Disabling Office updates means missing security and stability fixes. Only disable temporarily (e.g., to avoid a known bad update), and re-enable as soon as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Office has a built-in "Update Options" toggle.
- The Registry can enforce disabling updates.
- Disabling updates is a security trade-off.
- Re-enable and update once any issue passes.
Method 1: Office Built-in Option
1. Open any Office app (Word, Excel, etc.).
2. Go to File > Account.
3. Click "Update Options" > "Disable Updates".
4. Confirm; Office stops auto-updating.
Method 2: Registry
Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause problems. Back up the Registry first.
1. Open regedit and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\office\ClickToRun\Configuration (create keys if needed).
2. Set "UpdatesEnabled" to False.
3. Restart Office to apply.
Method 3: Windows Settings / Services
1. Office Click-to-Run updates via its own service — you can also pause via the built-in option above.
2. Avoid disabling the whole "ClickToRun" service, as it can break Office.
3. Prefer the File > Account > Update Options method.
Re-enable Updates
1. Open an Office app > File > Account > Update Options > "Enable Updates".
2. Then click "Update Now" to catch up.
3. Or set UpdatesEnabled back to True in the Registry.
Troubleshooting
Problem: "Disable Updates" option missing.
Solution: It may be greyed out on managed installs; use the Registry method or contact your administrator.
Problem: Office still updates.
Solution: Ensure the Registry UpdatesEnabled=False applied, and that no org policy re-enables it.
Problem: Office broke after disabling the service.
Solution: Don’t disable ClickToRun — re-enable it; use the built-in Update Options instead.
Problem: Want a specific version.
Solution: Disable updates temporarily, but plan to update for security fixes.
Conclusion
Disable Office auto-updates via File > Account > Update Options or the UpdatesEnabled Registry value — but treat it as temporary. Office updates carry important security fixes, so re-enable and update once any problematic update has passed.
