Updating Office 365?

Update the installed Microsoft 365 desktop apps from inside Word rather than from the notice that redirects you to learning apps.

Update Microsoft 365

1. Open Word and create a blank document.
2. Select File → Account.
3. Under Product Information, select Update Options → Update Now.
   • If Update Now is not shown, select Enable Updates first.
4. Keep Word open while Microsoft 365 checks for updates.
5. When complete, expect either “You’re up to date!” or “Updates were installed.” ^1^

You can disregard the notice that opens learning apps; it is not necessary for performing the desktop update.

Check what “Microsoft 365 free” means

Microsoft’s free Microsoft 365 plan provides web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, not licensed desktop applications. Microsoft 365 Basic is also web-only. The full desktop applications and their ongoing feature updates require an eligible plan such as Microsoft 365 Personal or Family. [^2^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Compare Microsoft 365 and Office plans | Microsoft Support")

Therefore, if File → Account indicates that the installed desktop product needs activation or a subscription, it cannot be updated and used as part of the free plan. In that case, either:

• Use the free browser-based Microsoft 365 apps, or
• Activate the desktop installation with the Microsoft account that owns an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription or Office license.

If the in-app update fails

Confirm that Windows is connected to the internet. If Update Options is missing and only About appears, the installation may be volume-licensed or managed by an organization; updates may need to come through Windows Update or the organization’s help desk. ^1^

If the desktop apps are properly licensed but updating still fails, run an Online Repair:

• Windows 11: Right-click Start → Installed apps → Microsoft 365 → … → Modify → Online Repair → Repair.
• Windows 10: Right-click Start → Apps and Features → Microsoft 365 → Modify → Online Repair → Repair.

Online Repair repairs the entire Office suite and may require restarting the computer afterward. ^3^

References

1. How to update Microsoft 365 or Office for Windows | Microsoft Support
2. [Compare Microsoft 365 and Office plans | Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
3. Repair an Office application