Beginning in October 2025, Microsoft Office apps will no longer receive new features, and by December 2026, security updates will cease as well. This announcement may pose difficulties for users of the Microsoft Store versions, but it reflects a strategic decision by Microsoft.
By consolidating support under a single deployment method, Microsoft can streamline its resources and focus on enhancing the Click-to-Run versions of Office. Microsoft is actively promoting a shift to Click-to-Run installations, which offer a quicker and more flexible alternative to traditional installation methods like MSI installer files or AppX packages from the Microsoft Store.
The Microsoft Store versions have limited support for enterprise needs, making Click-to-Run a more viable option for users and organizations alike. One of the key advantages of Click-to-Run is that Office applications can be accessed even before the complete suite is downloaded.
This means that users can start working immediately while the installation is still ongoing. Additionally, the installation size is reduced because unnecessary components can be omitted.
Users can also install multiple versions of Office on the same PC without worrying about version conflicts, and updates are handled seamlessly in the background. For users looking to make this transition, the installer has been designed to automatically detect if the Microsoft Store version is currently in use.
If detected, it will remove the existing version and replace it with the Click-to-Run installation. In summary, the shift towards Click-to-Run aligns with Microsoft’s goal of providing a more efficient and user-friendly experience for Office applications, ensuring that users remain supported with modern solutions.