Microsoft Office Deactivations Blamed on Optional Update

Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 installations have been deactivated for some users due to an activation bug. The issue is believed to be connected to a recent optional update, KB5002907, which was intended to help apps resume updating and move to a current build.

The update is not automatic, but users who were affected by the sudden reactivation requirement reported that the issue began around the same time the update appeared. This has led many to suspect that the update is the cause of the problem.

A Microsoft spokesperson has not commented on whether the update was at fault, but the company did assure users that they could continue using Office 2016 and 2019 after support ended in October 2025.