Microsoft is revising its distribution strategy for Office applications, announcing the cessation of support for Microsoft 365 installations obtained through the Microsoft Store. This decision will entail significant changes in how users receive updates.

Functional updates for Microsoft 365 versions installed from the Microsoft Store will cease in October 2025. By December 2026, support for security updates will be entirely discontinued. Consequently, Microsoft strongly recommends that all users currently accessing Office via the Microsoft Store transition to the Click-to-Run installation method. This will ensure uninterrupted access to new features and critical security updates.

While Microsoft 365 applications appear and function identically regardless of the installation method, their internal architecture and deployment mechanisms differ substantially:

• Microsoft Store Installation (Appx format): This method utilizes the isolated Appx format, characteristic of Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications. Such installations are managed similarly to any other application downloaded from the store.

• Click-to-Run: This method employs Microsoft's proprietary streaming .exe installer. It creates a virtualized environment that isolates Office from the rest of the system while ensuring deep integration with Windows and other Microsoft 365 services. The Click-to-Run technology, based on Microsoft App-V principles, is optimized for rapid cloud management and is the preferred method for enterprise clients.

The transition to the Click-to-Run model will enable Microsoft to concentrate on deployment speed, scalability, and administrative control. Users will be able to commence using applications before they are fully downloaded. IT administrators will gain enhanced configuration capabilities, including the selection of update channels (monthly or semi-annual), telemetry management, and centralized administration through Microsoft 365 services. Furthermore, through Click-to-Run, Microsoft will be able to integrate AI-powered Copilot features into Office applications more rapidly, circumventing delays associated with store updates.

To identify your Office installation type, open any Microsoft 365 application (e.g., Word), navigate to the "File" menu, then select "Account." On the right side, next to the "About" button, your current installation type will be indicated.

To transition to the Click-to-Run method, please follow these steps:

1. Save and close all open Office documents and applications.

2. Visit the official Microsoft 365 installer download page and sign in with your Office account.

3. Download the Office Deployment Tool (ODT).

4. Double-clicking the downloaded .exe file will automatically uninstall the Microsoft Store version of Office and reinstall it using Click-to-Run technology.

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