Microsoft Office programs should automatically update themselves, but sometimes they don’t. You may need to manually verify your Office app version and compare it against Microsoft’s Office updates database. This tutorial covers steps to check Office versions on Mac and Windows devices. You’ll also learn how to initiate Office updates on these devices.

Demystifying Microsoft Office Version Structure

To find the Office 365 app version for your device, open the Start screen and type “cmd” and hit enter. Type “winmgmts” and hit enter. The “winmgmts” window will show you the following: The first number in this list is the build number of the app, which is usually 2 or 3. The second number is the version number, which is usually 1-2. The third number is a halved build number (10-9). This means that there are two builds of an app with this version number, but each build has a different 10-digit build number.

Version updates for Office are often released to fix bugs and resolve performance issues. Version definitions help keep track of which builds are available, and which features have been added or updated in a particular build.

The Office Click-to-Run app, released in build 15128.20224, is a dummy version of the full Office suite. ..

The app version number is 2204, the build number is 15128.20224, and Click-to-Run is the installation type.

Microsoft has introduced a new installation type for its Office products. The new installation type is called “Windows Store.” This means that you installed the Office app from the Microsoft Store. If you download and install an Office product from Microsoft or third-party sources, that’s a “Click-to-Run” installation. ..

Check Office Versions in macOS

To check the app versions of Microsoft Office for Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Office app.
  2. Click on the three lines in the top left corner of the main screen. This will show you a list of all the apps that are installed on your computer.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of this list and click on Microsoft Office for Mac. This will open a new window that will show you all the app versions for Microsoft Office for Mac.

If you’re using OneNote, you can find “About Microsoft OneNote” in the app menu.

Check Microsoft Office Version on Windows PCs

You can check an Office app version in Windows Settings, Control Panel, or in the app’s settings menu.

Check Office Version in Account Settings Menu

Open Microsoft Excel, a Word document, Powerpoint, Outlook, or any Office application and follow the steps below to create a table.

In some Office applications, select Accounts in the File menu.

If you’re using an older version of Microsoft Office, open the File menu and select Office.

If you have a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you’ll only find products in the section. Scroll to the About [Office Product] row to see your Office app version.

The Microsoft Office application is a powerful tool that can help you do your work better. You can use it to create documents, manage your files, and more.

For example, selecting About Word will reveal Microsoft Word’s license ID, version, and build number in a new window. You can also check whether you have a 32 or 64-bit version of Microsoft Word in the dialog box. ..

From Windows Settings Menu

In Windows 10, open the “Apps & features” screen. Select “Windows 10” from the list of apps, and then select “Windows Defender.” Select “Block known threats from being installed.” Select “Install.”

From the Windows Control Panel

You can now see the size, version, and installation date of Office apps in the Control Panel.

How to Update Microsoft Office Applications

To update an Office application on a computer with Windows 10, 8.1, or 8:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Office.”
  2. Click on the Office app that you want to update.
  3. Click on the “Update” button in the top right corner of the app window.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
  5. If you have multiple Office apps installed, make sure to update them all before continuing.
  6. After updating your apps, make sure to restart your computer if prompted to do so by the update process. ..

Update Microsoft Office Apps in macOS

If you installed Microsoft Office apps from the App Store, you can update them in the App Store. The Microsoft AutoUpdate tool also helps to update Microsoft apps on macOS devices. ..

Install and launch the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool and select the Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date checkbox. Likewise, select Update to install the latest version of outdated Microsoft apps on your Mac.

Update Microsoft Office Apps in Windows

Open the Office app you want to update, select File on the menu bar, and select Account or Office Account.

When updates for Office are available, they will start downloading in the background. You can continue using the app while the update downloads, but Office will need to close and reopen your app to install the update. You’ll be prompted to save your documents when it’s time for the updates to install. ..