Disable Microsoft AutoUpdate on Mac running MacOS27

Karen Brown 45 Reputation points
2026-10-08T19:53:19.1066667+00:00

I want to trash Microsoft AutoUpdate on my Mac running MacOS27. The instructions that result from a search do not return the correct answer [To delete Microsoft AutoUpdate on macOS, open Finder, go to "Go" > "Go to Folder," and enter /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/. Locate the "MAU" or "MAU2.0" folder, drag "Microsoft AutoUpdate.app" to the Trash, and empty the Trash to complete the removal.] The Application Support folder does not, in fact, contain a Microsoft folder. I found 4 for Microsoft Edge, plus a OneDrive folder.

Why remove? Because I have Office 2024 for Mac and in the past the AutoUpdate has signed me out and forced me to subscribe to Office 365. I don't want to go through the hassle of getting my Office 2024 back again! And...the constant popup to run AutoUpdate is SO irritating!

Suggestions?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | MacOS
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AI answer

2026-10-08T19:53:35.3166667+00:00

Microsoft AutoUpdate is typically installed at the system Library level, not the user Library. If the Microsoft folder is missing where it was checked, the likely issue is that the user Library was opened instead of the system Library.

Try this path in Finder:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Press Command + Shift + G.
  3. Go to: /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/
  4. Look for the MAU2.0 folder, which contains Microsoft AutoUpdate.app.

If the goal is only to stop the pop-ups, the safer option is:

  1. Open any Office app such as Word.
  2. Select Help > Check for Updates.
  3. Clear Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date.

Removing Microsoft AutoUpdate can prevent Office apps from receiving security updates and feature improvements. Administrator credentials might be required if the MAU2.0 folder is removed.

If Microsoft AutoUpdate is failing or behaving incorrectly, installing the latest version of AutoUpdate is the documented fix for issues caused by missing helper files or incorrect permissions.

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.9K Reputation points
    2026-10-09T00:06:24.0366667+00:00

    The behavior you describe suggests that there is a previous version of Mac Office [or remnants of it] remaining on the Mac. Prior versions need top nbe properly removed – it isn't just a matter of dragging the application icons to the Trash. There are numerous other support files which can leave a footprint.

    See whether these Remove Office license instructions will provide the remedy.

    IMO, disabling MAU is not a solution, especially with a brand new release of macOS. Most certainly there will be a series of updates from Apple which will require keeping software current accordingly. Additionally, when you do remember to update you'll need to check manually & MAU very well need to be reinstalled in order to preform updates for the Office software.

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