Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling Back Microsoft Office to an Earlier Version
Key Notes
- You can revert only Click-to-Run versions of Microsoft Office.
- Record your current Office version before rolling back.
- Disabling Automatic Updates can help avoid unexpected upgrades.
Easily Revert Microsoft Office to a Previous Version with These Steps
This comprehensive guide details the process of rolling back Microsoft Office to an earlier version, addressing common issues users may encounter with updates.
Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 11/10
When faced with difficulties after a Microsoft Office update, reverting to a previous version may be necessary. Here’s how to execute this process:
Step 1: Download and Install the Office Deployment Tool
To start the rollback process, visit the Microsoft download page to obtain the Office Deployment Tool. After downloading, run the setup file and choose a location for file extraction. Confirm the extraction when prompted.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have administrative privileges to avoid installation errors.
Step 2: Define Your Target Office Version
Next, specify the version of Office to roll back to in a configuration file. Visit the Microsoft update history page to find version numbers. Copy a lower build number than your current version.
Open Notepad and input the following command, replacing “aaaaa.bbbbb” with your chosen version number:
<Configuration> <Updates Enabled="TRUE" TargetVersion="16.0.aaaaa.bbbbb"/> </Configuration>Save this as config.xml in the same folder as the Deployment Tool.
Step 3: Execute the Configuration Command
Before executing the command, close all Microsoft Office applications. Launch an elevated Command Prompt, then navigate to the directory where your setup.exe file is located using:
cd [full path]Then run:
setup.exe /configure config.xmlStep 4: Update and Complete the Process
If the command runs successfully, a popup will appear. To finish, open any Office application, navigate to Account > Update Options > Update Now, and follow the prompts. Save any ongoing work before proceeding.
Pro Tip: After the update, always check the version in the About section to ensure the rollback was successful.
Extra Tips and Considerations
- Always back up your documents before performing a rollback.
- Familiarize yourself with the version history to make informed choices.
- Consider consulting IT support if issues persist post-rollback.
Summary
This guide lays out a clear methodology for reverting Microsoft Office to a previous version, prioritizing user experience and troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Understanding how to roll back Microsoft Office allows users to mitigate problems caused by updates. Remember to regularly check for updates that may solve your issues without needing to revert.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is There a Version History for Microsoft Office?
Yes, detailed version history can be accessed on Microsoft’s official website.
How to Revert Outlook to a Previous Version?
Use the command line with specific commands to revert Outlook to a previous version.
Is it Possible to Roll Back Outlook?
Yes, Outlook can be reverted using specific command line instructions.