How to Update Microsoft Office in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide for Windows

Keeping Microsoft Office up to date is one of the simplest ways to protect your system, unlock new features, and maintain compatibility with the latest file formats. In 2026, Microsoft has streamlined the update process across Microsoft 365, Office 2021, and Office 2024, but the steps still vary slightly depending on how you installed the suite. This tutorial walks you through the entire process, from checking your current version to manually forcing an update and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you will know exactly how to update Microsoft Office on a Windows PC without guesswork.

Step 1: Check Your Current Office Version

Before updating, confirm which version of Office you are running. Open any Office app such as Word or Excel, then go to File > Account. Under the "Product Information" section, you will see the version number and build. In 2026, Microsoft 365 apps typically show a version number starting with 16.0 followed by a five-digit build. If your build is several months old, an update is likely available. Knowing your version also helps you determine whether you are on the Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel, or a perpetual license like Office 2024.

Step 2: Update Through the Office Account Menu

The fastest way to update is directly inside any Office application. Click File > Account, then look for the "Update Options" button. Select "Update Now" from the dropdown menu. Office will connect to Microsoft's servers and download the latest build automatically. During this process, keep the application open and avoid closing it. Once the download finishes, you may see a prompt to restart the app to apply the changes. This method works for Microsoft 365 subscriptions and most recent perpetual versions.

Microsoft Office update prompt on a Windows computer in 2026

Step 3: Use Windows Settings for Microsoft Store Installations

If you installed Office through the Microsoft Store, the update process is different. Open Settings > Windows Update, then click "Check for updates." Alternatively, open the Microsoft Store app, go to Library, and click "Get updates." Store-based Office installations update alongside other Store apps. This method is common on newer Windows laptops that ship with a preinstalled Microsoft 365 trial. If you do not see Office in the Store library, you likely have a click-to-run installation instead, so return to Step 2.

Step 4: Manually Download the Latest Installer

When automatic updates fail, a manual reinstall of the latest build often resolves the problem. Sign in to your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, go to Services & subscriptions, and locate your Office product. Click Install to download the current click-to-run installer. Run the downloaded file, and choose "Update" if prompted rather than a full reinstall. This approach ensures you receive the newest 2026 build directly from Microsoft, bypassing any corrupted local update cache.

Step-by-step video guide showing how to update Microsoft Office to the latest 2026 version

Step 5: Restart and Verify the Update

After the update completes, close all Office apps and restart your computer. Reopen Word or Excel, go to File > Account, and check the version number again. It should now match the latest build listed on Microsoft's release notes page. If the number has not changed, repeat Step 2 and wait a few minutes before checking again. You can also open Task Manager to confirm that no background Office processes are blocking the update.

Step 6: Troubleshoot Common Update Problems

If updates keep failing, disable your VPN or third-party antivirus temporarily, as these can block Microsoft's content delivery network. You can also run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant, which automatically diagnoses Office update errors. For persistent issues, open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command to reset the Office click-to-run service, then trigger the update again from File > Account. Keeping Windows itself updated through Settings > Windows Update also prevents conflicts with Office patches.