It’s easy to update Microsoft Word if you’re using a recent version as part of a Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) subscription. Or as a standalone version purchased from the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store on Windows. Here’s how to install the Microsoft Word update.
Note: Now and then, you should check for and install the latest Microsoft Word update to receive all the new features of Word and keep it up-to-date.
How to Update MS Word on Windows
Here is how to update Word on PC by following the steps below.
If you use Microsoft Word as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription, updating the app is simple. First, launch the Word application. Go to the “Home” screen, where you can launch documents. Open a new blank document, or if you’re working on a document, click the “File” tab at the top left corner.
Click “Account” in the left side pane on the Home screen.
It opens the “Account” page, which shows the product information. Look for the “Office Updates” section on the right side of Update Options.
Select “Update Options.” In the drop-down menu that appears, click “Update Now.”
Now, your system will check for Office updates. If updates are available for your product, Office will download and install them. You’ll see a message that says, “You’re up to date!” if you have the most recent version of Word.
In order to keep your Word up-to-date and receive the latest updates automatically, you can enable automatic updates. To do that, click the “Update Options” button. In the drop-down menu, select “Enable Updates.”
How to Update MS Word on Mac
Here’s how to update Word on Mac.
Open the Word app from your Dock or Finder to update Microsoft Word on Mac that is part of a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Click “Help” in the menu bar at the top of the screen, then click “Check for Updates.”
Your system will launch Microsoft AutoUpdate to check for Office updates; if available, click “Update” next to the Word app to download and install updates. When you run the most recent version of Word, you’ll see a message that says, “All apps are up to date.”
Tip: If you don’t see the “Check for Updates“ option, download and install the most recent version of the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool, then check for updates again, and it’ll update Microsoft Word on Mac.
Once done, close the AutoUpdate tool, and you’re ready to start writing again.
How to Update Word Purchased From an App Store
If you downloaded or purchased Microsoft Word as a standalone app from the Mac App Store or the Microsoft Store on Windows, update it directly from the store app.
From Mac App Store
Open the “App Store” from your Dock or Finder on a Mac and select “Updates” in the sidebar.
Locate the “Word” app, then click the “Update” button to install updates.
After updating, close the App Store and start using Word for Mac.
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From Microsoft Store
Open the “Microsoft Store app” on Windows 10 or 11, and select “Library” in the sidebar.
Locate “Word” in your list of apps. If an update is available, you’ll see the “Update” button, then click on it.
After that, Word will update. You can now exit the Microsoft Store app and start using Word.
Update Legacy Versions of Microsoft Word
If you’re using an older version of Word, Microsoft’s website offers standalone installation files for Windows. It also explains how to check for updates on several older versions of Word. But remember that Office 2010 and earlier are no longer supported, so Microsoft recommends upgrading to a Microsoft 365 subscription. Happy writing, and best wishes!
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