I can't update my Office 365 apps

Stop editing or saving the affected document, copy the current file somewhere safe, and attempt Version History and AutoRecovery before updating or reinstalling Office.

1. Recover the document first

If it was stored in OneDrive

1. Open the document in Word.
2. Select the document name in the title bar.
3. Select Browse Version History.
4. Open each earlier version in a separate window.
5. When the missing content appears, save that version as a new file before restoring anything. ^1^

You can also sign in to OneDrive in a browser, right-click the file, and select Version history. Do not restore a version until you have opened it and confirmed that it contains the missing text.

Check Word’s hidden AutoRecovery folders

1. Quit Word.
2. In Finder, select Go > Go to Folder, or press Shift + Command + G.
3. Check these paths separately:

~/Library/Containers/com.Microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery
~/Library/Containers/com.Microsoft/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery

4. Look for files named AutoRecovery save of…
5. Copy any candidate file to the Desktop before opening it.
6. If it contains your work, immediately use File > Save As and give it a new name.

Microsoft documents both AutoRecovery behavior and the current recovery location. If Don’t Save was selected when closing the document, the AutoRecovery copy may have been deleted. ^2^ ^3^

If the document opens but appears damaged, try:

1. Word > Preferences > General.
2. Enable Confirm file format conversion at Open.
3. Select File > Open.
4. From the Open menu, select Recover Text.
5. Open a copy of the damaged document. ^2^

Also check Time Machine, if it was enabled, before making installation changes.

2. Resolve the Office update error

Your screenshot shows Office 16.78 marked both Up-To-Date and Upgrade Required. First check the macOS version under Apple menu > About This Mac.

If macOS can be upgraded

1. Back up the recovered/current document.
2. Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. On older macOS releases, use System Preferences > Software Update.
3. Install an available supported macOS upgrade.
4. Open Word and select Help > Check for Updates.
5. In Microsoft AutoUpdate, select Update All, then restart Word.

Microsoft’s current guidance says the required baseline is macOS 12 with Office 16.83, while current Office updates beginning with version 16.101 require macOS Sonoma or later. Monterey’s final supported Office build was 16.88. ^4^ ^5^

If Microsoft AutoUpdate is using the Beta channel

Only use this branch if Microsoft AutoUpdate > Advanced shows Beta Channel. Microsoft documented a fixed Beta-channel problem affecting versions 16.78/16.79:

1. Install Outlook for Mac 16.79.23101801 or later from Microsoft’s direct update link.
2. Reopen Microsoft AutoUpdate.
3. Select Update All.

Installing that Outlook update resumes updates for all installed Office applications in this specific Beta-channel condition. ^6^

3. If AutoUpdate still fails

Download the latest compatible Office update package directly from Microsoft rather than repeatedly using AutoUpdate. A directly installed package is a supported fallback when AutoUpdate hangs or errors. ^7^

If an in-place installation still fails, back up all documents and then perform the official complete uninstall followed by a reinstall from the Microsoft account that owns the subscription. A reinstall is destructive to the Office installation, so complete document recovery and backup first. The Mac uninstall procedure is linked from the accepted resolution here. ^8^

If the Mac cannot run a supported macOS version, use Microsoft 365 on the web or install Microsoft 365 on another supported device; the Mac will not receive current Office updates. ^4^

References

1. Microsoft 365
2. macOS
3. Recover files in Office for Mac | Microsoft Support
4. Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device | Microsoft Support
5. Upgrade macOS to continue receiving Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac updates
6. Microsoft 365 for Mac users in the Beta channel are not offered app updates | Microsoft Support
7. Microsoft AutoUpdate hangs with current version - Microsoft Q&A
8. Currently unable to edit microsoft word or excel, despite having annual Microsoft 365 subscription - Microsoft Q&A