Microsoft continues to refine its products to provide a smoother, safer, and more efficient experience. As part of these changes, the company has decided to make a significant shift in how Microsoft 365 is distributed and updated.
Specifically, Microsoft will stop offering updates for Microsoft 365 installations made through the Windows Store. It's a notable change, yes, but also an understandable one: Microsoft aims to unify and simplify the installation process by guiding users toward more stable and controlled methods.
In addition, there are already confirmed dates when these versions will stop receiving security updates, making it even more important to migrate to a non-store installation as soon as possible.
Which Microsoft 365 Installations Will Stop Receiving Updates from the Store?
As we've mentioned, Microsoft has decided to stop updating Microsoft 365 versions that were installed from the Windows Store. The reason? A complete shift to the Click-to-Run installation model, which offers more control, better compatibility with enterprise environments, and more efficient update management.
What Is Click-to-Run?
Click-to-Run is currently the most widely used installation method for Office and Microsoft 365. While at first glance you might not notice any differences between an app installed from the Store and one installed using this system, there are indeed many differences under the hood.
This format uses virtualization technology based on App-V, allowing applications to install quickly, integrate seamlessly with the system, and update automatically in the background. It's also designed for environments where centralized management and security are key, such as in businesses and organizations.
What About Installation from the Windows Store?
Installing from the Microsoft Store uses a package in Appx format, originally designed for UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps. This means it behaves like a regular system app, is installed in an isolated space, and comes with certain limitations compared to Click-to-Run.
While it works fine for personal or casual use, this type of installation isn't ideal for professional environments: it doesn’t support multiple users, doesn’t integrate with device management tools, and lacks advanced deployment customization.
Why Is Microsoft Making This Change?
It’s no secret that Microsoft has always prioritized its enterprise customers. While it has made efforts to simplify its products for average users, its focus remains on offering powerful and flexible tools for businesses.
In this case, moving away from Store-based installation is a way to consolidate the Microsoft 365 distribution model, eliminating variants that don’t offer real advantages in terms of productivity, management, or security.
The goal is clear: to steer users—both individual and corporate—toward the Click-to-Run model, which is easier to update, compatible with enterprise systems, and much more stable in the long run.
How to Know What Type of Microsoft 365 Installation You Have
This is a very common question, especially now that Microsoft has started changing how it distributes and updates its productivity suite. Knowing what type of installation you have isn’t just helpful—it can mean the difference between continuing to receive updates or being left behind.
Step-by-Step Guide to Identify Your Installation Type
Fortunately, checking this is very easy. Just follow these steps:
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Open any Microsoft 365 app, such as Word or Excel.
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Click on the File tab in the upper-left corner.
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Then select Account (usually located at the bottom of the menu).
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In the “About…” or “Product Information” section, look for text indicating the installation type.
Here, you’ll see whether you’re using a “Microsoft Store” or “Click-to-Run” installation. That small difference in the name is key.
If the information shows “Microsoft Store,” it means you installed Office from the Windows Store. This version, as Microsoft has already announced, will stop receiving updates, including security patches—and that’s not something you want to ignore.
That’s why it’s highly recommended to switch to the “Click-to-Run” installation, which is Microsoft’s new standard. With it, you’ll continue to receive all the latest features, security updates, and performance improvements as they’re released.
Read more: New Zero-Day in SharePoint (CVE-2025-53770): Update Now!
How to Migrate from Microsoft Store to Click-to-Run
Don’t worry—migrating to the new version is simple. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps:
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Sign in with the account linked to your subscription.
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Download the Office installer from your personal dashboard.
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Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
This installer will automatically detect if you have the Store version and will replace it with the Click-to-Run version—no need to uninstall anything manually. It’s a clean, quick, and hassle-free process.
Why Is This Change Important?
The Click-to-Run installation is based on modern technology and offers clear advantages:
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More frequent and automatic updates.
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Better compatibility with other Microsoft programs and services.
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Greater security and performance.
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Full support in enterprise and multi-user environments.
Additionally, it’s the version Microsoft is prioritizing for the long term, so switching to it is an investment in stability and future readiness.
