How to Update Outlook on Windows/Mac? Step-by-Step Guide

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Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used email clients in the world. Whether you’re using it for personal communication or professional productivity, it’s important to keep Outlook updated. Regular updates ensure you get the latest features, improved performance, and essential security patches.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to update Outlook on Windows and Mac, why it matters, and what to do if Outlook is not updating. No matter your version—Outlook 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365—this step-by-step blog has you covered.

Why You Should Always Update Microsoft Outlook

Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.”

Benefits of Updating Outlook:

Improved Security: Each update fixes vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
New Features: Enjoy tools like Focused Inbox, message recall improvements, or better calendar integration.
Bug Fixes: Updates resolve issues like crashing, slow loading, or syncing problems.
Performance Enhancements: Smoother experience, faster startup, and reduced system resource use.
Compatibility: Ensure Outlook works properly with Windows or macOS updates and other apps.

How to Update Outlook on Windows (All Versions)

Method 1: Update Outlook via Microsoft 365 (Office 365)

If you’re using Outlook as part of Microsoft 365, follow these steps:

Open Outlook on your Windows computer.
Click on File in the top-left corner.
Choose Office Account from the sidebar.
Under Product Information, click on Update Options.
Select Update Now from the drop-down menu.
Microsoft will now check for updates and install them automatically.
Restart Outlook after the update is complete.

Method 2: Use Windows Settings to Update Outlook

If you’re unsure which version of Outlook you have:

Go to Start > Settings > Apps.
Find Microsoft Office or Outlook in the list.
Click Modify > then choose Online Repair.
This process will download the latest version and repair files.

Method 3: Enable Auto-Updates for Microsoft Outlook

Enable automatic updates so you never miss an important release.

Open Outlook.
Go to File > Office Account > Update Options.
Click on Enable Updates.
Restart the app.

Now Outlook will update automatically in the background when your device is idle.

How to Update Outlook on Mac

Updating Outlook on macOS is just as simple, but the steps differ slightly.

Method 1: Update via Microsoft AutoUpdate

Outlook for Mac uses the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool (MAU) to handle updates.

Open Outlook for Mac.
Click on Help in the top menu.
Select Check for Updates.
Microsoft AutoUpdate will open and check for updates.
If an update is available, click Update.
Once complete, restart Outlook.

Recommended: Select “Automatically Download and Install” in the MAU window to enable automatic updates.

Method 2: Update via Mac App Store (For App Store Versions)

If you downloaded Outlook via the Mac App Store:

Open the App Store.
Click on Updates in the left sidebar.
Look for Microsoft Outlook.
If an update is available, click Update.

This applies only to App Store editions, not Microsoft 365 installations.

Method 3: Use Microsoft 365 Account on Mac

Visit https://account.microsoft.com.
Sign in to your Microsoft account.
Go to the Services & Subscriptions
Download and install the latest Office suite, including Outlook.
Open the newly installed Outlook app.

This ensures you’re always running the latest version of Outlook on your Mac.

Outlook Not Updating? Here’s How to Fix It

Sometimes, users report that Outlook won’t update. Here are common solutions:

1. Check Internet Connection

Outlook requires a stable internet connection to download updates.

2. Disable Add-ins

Conflicting add-ins can prevent updates.

Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
Click Manage COM Add-ins > Go.
Uncheck all add-ins and restart Outlook.

3. Run as Administrator (Windows)

Right-click the Outlook shortcut.
Choose Run as Administrator.
Then check for updates again.

4. Manual Repair

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Find Microsoft Office.
Click Change > Online Repair.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall Outlook

Sometimes a clean installation fixes update issues. Ensure your data is backed up via PST file or synced via Microsoft 365 before uninstalling.

How to Check the Current Outlook Version

On Windows:

Open Outlook.
Click File > Office Account.
Look under About Outlook.
The version number will appear (e.g., Version 2304 Build 16.0.16327.20214).

On Mac:

Open Outlook.
Click Outlook > About Outlook in the menu bar.
A window will pop up showing the version number.

Make sure the version listed matches the latest release on Microsoft’s official site.

Common FAQs

Q1. How often should I update Outlook?

A: If you have automatic updates enabled, you’ll always be up to date. Manual users should check every 2–3 weeks.

Q2. Does updating Outlook delete my emails?

A: No, updating Outlook will not delete any emails, settings, or calendar events.

Q3. How do I update Outlook without Microsoft 365?

A: Standalone versions like Outlook 2016 or 2019 can be updated via “Check for Updates” in the Office menu.

Q4. What if “Check for Updates” is greyed out?

A: This usually means updates are controlled by an organization. Contact your IT admin.

Q5. What if I have Outlook from the Microsoft Store?

A: The Microsoft Store will manage updates automatically. You can also open the Store > Library > Get Updates.

Conclusion

Updating Microsoft Outlook is essential for security, productivity, and overall performance. Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, the process is simple when you know where to look.

We’ve covered how to update Outlook on Windows, how to check for updates on Mac, and what to do when Outlook won’t update. Now you can stay current with every new release and enjoy a smoother, safer email experience.

Be sure to bookmark this guide and check your Outlook version regularly. If you run into issues, refer back to the troubleshooting section above.