Microsoft has announced a significant transition regarding the installation of its Office applications. The company is phasing out the Microsoft Store installation type in favor of the Click-to-Run model, with new feature updates for Microsoft 365 apps via the Store set to cease in October 2025. Furthermore, security updates for this installation type will come to an end in December 2026. In a recent support document, Microsoft emphasized the importance of migrating to Click-to-Run for users who currently rely on the Store version to ensure continued access to new features and security enhancements.
What are these installation types of Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 applications can be installed on Windows PCs through two primary methods: the Microsoft Store and Click-to-Run. While both installation types present a similar user experience, their underlying architectures and deployment strategies differ significantly.
- The Microsoft Store installation utilizes the Appx packaging format, designed initially for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications. This method operates in a sandboxed environment, akin to other apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
- Conversely, Click-to-Run employs a proprietary streaming .exe installer crafted specifically for Office applications. This installation method creates a virtualized application environment that isolates Office from the broader system while maintaining seamless integration with Windows and other Microsoft 365 services.
Click-to-Run is built on Microsoft’s Application Virtualization (App-V) principles, although it does not constitute a complete App-V package. It is optimized for rapid, cloud-based management, catering particularly to enterprise customers.
Why is Microsoft switching to Click-to-Run installation type?
Microsoft’s decision to pivot towards Click-to-Run reflects its longstanding commitment to enterprise solutions. Despite efforts to broaden its appeal to general consumers, the company remains deeply rooted in the corporate sector. This transition underscores a strategic focus on a deployment model that emphasizes speed, scalability, and administrative control—key pillars for any enterprise IT application model.
While Microsoft envisions a scenario where all users download applications from the Microsoft Store, the limitations of Store installations—such as the inability to customize with XML configuration files and lack of support for multi-user systems—have prompted this shift. Additionally, the integration of Office updates with Windows Updates posed challenges for enterprise environments.
Given that Microsoft 365 is integral to the Windows ecosystem and a major factor in enterprise decisions to adopt Windows, the move to Click-to-Run—a method tailored for cloud-native IT environments—seems a logical progression. This approach allows users to begin utilizing the application before the complete suite is downloaded, with background tasks managing updates. Click-to-Run also offers extensive customization options for IT administrators, including support for multiple update channels and centralized management through Microsoft 365 services.
How to check your installation type?
To determine your current installation type of Microsoft 365 (Office) applications, follow these steps:
- Open any Microsoft 365 application, such as Word.
- Click on File and select Account at the bottom left.
- On the right side, next to the About Word button, you will see either Click-to-Run or Microsoft Store, along with a Version and Build number.
If you find that you are using the Click-to-Run installation type, you are already set. However, if you are on the Microsoft Store version, it is advisable to upgrade to Click-to-Run promptly to access the latest features and security updates.
How to upgrade to Click-to-Run installation type for Microsoft 365 Apps
Upgrading from the Microsoft Store installation type to Click-to-Run is a straightforward and free process. Here’s how to do it:
- Save any open documents in all Office applications and close them.
- Visit the official download page for the Microsoft 365 Installer. Ensure you sign in with the same Microsoft account associated with your Office applications.
- Click the Download button to obtain the Office Deployment Tool (ODT).
- Double-click the downloaded .exe file. The installer will automatically detect and remove your Microsoft Store version of Office, subsequently reinstalling Office using Click-to-Run.
Impact on regular users and IT admins
For regular users, the transition to Click-to-Run will not alter usability significantly. However, they can expect to see newer features, such as Copilot, integrated into Office applications without the need for a new license. Some Copilot features may require a Microsoft 365 subscription.
For IT administrators, the deployment of Microsoft 365 apps will become more streamlined. They will gain enhanced control over update channels, the ability to implement company-wide policies, manage shared device activation, and automate provisioning across numerous endpoints, ultimately simplifying the management of Office applications within their organizations.
