Microsoft has recently reaffirmed a significant change regarding the Microsoft Store version of Microsoft 365 Apps, announcing the end of support for this installation type. If you are among the users who installed Office apps via the Store and have not yet migrated, this update is particularly relevant.
In a statement shared through an updated support document, Microsoft clarified the timeline for this transition. They noted, “Support for the Microsoft Store installation type of Microsoft 365 Apps is ending. New feature updates stopped in October 2025 and security updates will end in December 2026. If you have the Microsoft Store installation type of Microsoft 365 Apps, you must upgrade to the Click-to-Run installation type.”
TLDR; This change impacts all users, including those who downloaded Office apps from the Microsoft Store. While the appearance and functionality of the apps remain consistent, the method of updates differs significantly.
Store vs Click-to-Run: how Microsoft 365 gets installed today
Microsoft 365 apps can be installed on Windows PCs through two distinct methods. The Store installation utilizes Appx packaging, a framework associated with Microsoft’s UWP app architecture, designed to sandbox applications and manage updates via Windows Updates.
Conversely, Click-to-Run serves as Microsoft’s more adaptable streaming installer, tailored for enterprise management and rapid feature delivery. Although both installation types may seem similar at first glance—Word remains Word, and Excel continues to function as expected—the underlying architecture influences how updates are managed, how the apps integrate with Windows, and how IT administrators oversee them.
Historically, updates for Microsoft Store installations have aligned with Windows Update schedules, resulting in slower feature rollouts. In contrast, Click-to-Run facilitates background updates directly from Microsoft’s CDN, supporting multiple update channels. While this distinction may not significantly affect home users, it holds considerable importance for organizations managing extensive device networks.
Why Microsoft is dropping the Store installation type
This transition may appear perplexing, particularly following BUILD 2026, where Microsoft advocated for developers to create Windows-first experiences using WinUI3. However, Microsoft recognizes that Office occupies a unique position within its ecosystem. Unlike consumer-facing applications such as Netflix or Instagram, Office is a fundamental productivity suite relied upon by enterprises, which necessitates a level of control that Store installations currently cannot provide.
The primary motivation behind this shift is the limitations of Store installations, which lack support for XML configuration, multi-user environments, and essential enterprise management tools like Intune and Configuration Manager. Additionally, tying Office updates to Windows updates hinders the timely delivery of new features. As Microsoft 365 increasingly leverages cloud-based enhancements and Copilot integrations, these delays pose significant challenges.
Microsoft has been actively integrating Copilot into Microsoft 365 apps, and achieving this swiftly requires a deployment model that bypasses Windows Update. Click-to-Run is designed to meet this need, offering centralized management and expedited feature rollouts.
What this means for you right now
For most users, the transition should be relatively seamless. The apps will retain their familiar appearance and functionality. However, it is crucial to note that Store installations ceased receiving feature updates in October 2025 and will stop receiving security updates in December 2026. Remaining on the Store version could result in a gradual decline in both functionality and security for your Office applications.
For IT administrators, the implications are more pronounced. Click-to-Run equips them with essential tools such as update channel control, shared device activation, telemetry management, and scalable deployment capabilities. The retirement of the Store version paves the way for a more predictable, cloud-managed Office environment, aligning with modern enterprise needs.
How to check which installation type you have
If you are uncertain about which version you are using, the verification process is quick and straightforward:
- Open any Microsoft 365 app.
- Select File.
- Choose Account.
- Look near the About button.
You will see either Click-to-Run or Microsoft Store listed alongside your version and build. If you are already on Click-to-Run, congratulations! If you find Microsoft Store, there’s no need for alarm—yet.
How to move to Click-to-Run for Microsoft Office apps
Fortunately, transitioning to Click-to-Run is a straightforward process:
- Save your work and close all Office apps.
- Visit Microsoft’s official Microsoft 365 Installer download page.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account associated with your license.
- Download the Office Deployment Tool.
- Run the installer.
The installer will automatically detect the Store version, remove it, and reinstall Office using Click-to-Run without requiring a manual uninstall step. Your existing license and settings will carry over seamlessly, although the process may take a few extra minutes as both steps are executed simultaneously.
For IT administrators managing this transition at scale, the Office Deployment Tool can facilitate automatic detection and replacement of the Store installation type through Intune or Configuration Manager, eliminating the need for manual intervention on a per-device basis.
