Microsoft Pauses Update That Wiped Office 2016 and 2019 Installs

Microsoft has paused the rollout of an optional update for Microsoft 365 Apps installations after users reported that it deactivated or removed perpetual Office 2016 and Office 2019 installations on Windows PCs.

The update, KB5002907, was released on September 23 and targets only Windows PCs with Microsoft 365 Apps installations that are more than 90 days out of date and use Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. According to Christian Van Hautte, who runs a managed service provider in Belgium, five unrelated customers contacted his company within roughly ten minutes, with dozens of PCs affected across those organizations.

Affected users described in-app messages stating that normal functionality has been removed, plus yellow banners warning that five days remain before the apps stop working. Microsoft confirmed the pause and is investigating the reports. The company states that it will provide additional customer guidance through its usual channels.