Microsoft Office - How to Update Application

Overview

ITS requires all university Windows machines using Office 2016 or 2019 to upgrade to a supported version of Office 365. Upgrading to Office 365 ensures that you continue to receive the latest security updates and new features. This article explains how to check your current version and how to upgrade.

If you have a version of Office later than 2019 or use a university iMac/Macbook, you do not need to upgrade and can continue using the applications as usual.

Instructions

Identify the Office Version Installed on Your Computer

Open any Office application (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
Create a new document
Select File and then click on the Account option

Check which version you have installed (Your screen may look different based on your version)

If your version is Office 2016 or Office 2019, please follow the next steps to upgrade.

How to Install the Upgrade to Your Computer (On the Binghamton BU domain)

Ensure all Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) are closed.

NOTE: The installer will force close all open Office applications and you may loose any unsaved work or documents.

Type Software Center in your menu's search bar and open the application. (If you do not have Software Center please use the instructions for how to install the upgrade on a non BU domain or personal computer).

In the Applications tab, find the Upgrade Office 2016/2019 to Office 365 program and click Install

A progress bar will show up. The upgrade will take about 20 minutes to finish.

How to Install the Upgrade to Your Computer (Non Binghamton BU domain or Personal)

It is highly recommended to uninstall old versions by going to Control Panel-> Programs-> Uninstall a program

When the uninstall is complete, go to http://office.com and sign in with your Binghamton email address and credentials.

Click Apps on the Navigation pane on the left and then All Apps from the list.

An Install Apps option will display at the top right . Click Microsoft 365 apps from the drop down.

On the My Account tab select Install Office.

You will be prompted to save the OfficeSetup.exe file to your computer. Save and then click the file to install.

If you are installing Office 365 on a university machine via this method, you may need to run the Make Me Admin application first. Instructions on how to run the tool can be found in our knowledge base article