Update Office v.16.x Mac when no user is logged in?

rclzh · #1 10-30-2025, 03:48 AM

Is it possible to update MS Office v16.x for Mac with a client management system (e.g. FileWave) when no user is logged in (short of installing update packages)?
I found that the msupdate command needs a logged in user and I think automatic updates will also occur only if a user is logged in. Correct?

Hornblower409 · #2 10-30-2025, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rclzh

I found that the msupdate command needs a logged in user ...
I think automatic updates will also occur only if a user is logged in. Correct?

As far as I know, you are correct on both points. Microsoft acknowledges that this is pretty stupid. (Problem is not specific to Mac)

Update Microsoft 365 Apps (Office) without user signed in - Microsoft Q&A

Quote:

After reviewing the scenario, I regret to inform you that, at this moment, it appears to be a design limitation.

OfficeC2RClient.exe will not update if user not logged in - Microsoft Q&A

Quote:

Unfortunately, OfficeC2RClient.exe requires a user to be logged in to update Office. This is because the update process requires access to the user's profile and registry settings. There is no way to update Office without a user being logged in.

If you find a workaround or third-party product that can do this, I would like to hear about it.

Hornblower409 · #3 10-30-2025, 04:04 PM

You might want to cross post this on:

SpiceWorks. More their kind of question.

Topics tagged microsoft-office-365

Or the Microsoft Q&A forum. So you get the answer from the horse's mouth.

Microsoft 365 and Office Install, redeem, activate For business MacOS - Microsoft Q&A

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