How to Update Microsoft Word on Windows and Mac

You can easily update Microsoft Word using a recent version as part of a Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) subscription. Or as a standalone version purchased from the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store on Windows.

In this article, I’ll show you how to update Microsoft Word (Word 365, Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word for Mac). I’ll also show you how to update old versions of Microsoft Word (Word 2010/2007/2003).

How to Update Word on Windows

The following steps will teach you how to update Word on Windows (Desktop, PC, and All-in-One).

If you use Microsoft Word as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription, then updating the app is simple.

First, launch the Word application. Go to the “Home” screen, where you can launch documents.

Open a new blank document, or if you’re working on a Word file, click the “File” tab at the top left corner.

Click “Account” in the left side pane on the Home screen.

It opens the “Account” page, which shows the product information. Look for the “Office Updates” section on the right side of Update Options.

Select “Update Options.” In the drop-down menu that appears, click “Update Now.”

Now, your system will check for Microsoft Word updates. If Word updates are available, Office will download and install them. You’ll see a message that says, “You’re up to date!” if you have the most recent version of Word.

If you want to receive the latest Word updates to keep it up-to-date, then enable automatic updates. To do that, click the “Update Options” button, and in the drop-down menu, select “Enable Updates.”

How to Update Word on Mac

To update Word on Mac, open the Word app that is part of a Microsoft 365 subscription from your Dock or Finder.

Click “Help” in the menu bar at the top of the screen, then click “Check for Updates.”

Your system will launch Microsoft AutoUpdate to check for Office updates; if available, click “Update” next to the Word app to download and install updates. When you run the most recent version of Word, you’ll see a message that says, “All apps are up to date.”

Once done, close the AutoUpdate tool, and you’re ready to start writing again.

RELATED: How to Update Microsoft Office Apps on Mac

How to Update Word Purchased From an App Store

If you downloaded or purchased Microsoft Word as a standalone app from the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store on Windows, update it directly from the store app.

Update Word From the Mac App Store

Open the “App Store” from your Dock or Finder on a Mac and select “Updates” in the sidebar.

Locate the “Word” app, then click the “Update” button to install updates.

After updating, close the App Store and start using Word for Mac.

Update Word From Microsoft Store

Open the “Microsoft Store app” on Windows 10 or 11, and select “Library” in the sidebar.

Locate “Word” in your list of apps. If an update is available, you’ll see the “Update” button, then click on it.

After that, Word will update. You can now exit the Microsoft Store app and start using Word.

Update Legacy Versions of Word (Word 2010, 2007, 2003)

If you’re using an older version of Word, Microsoft’s website offers standalone installation files for Windows.

It also explains how to check for updates on several older versions of Word. But remember that Office 2010 and earlier are no longer supported, so Microsoft recommends upgrading to a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Steps to update Word 2010/2007/2003.

1. Launch Word 2010 or earlier, and open a new document.
2. Click File at the top left corner and select Help > Check for Updates.
3. Select Install Updates or Check for Updates. When you don’t see these options, proceed with the steps in the pop-up that appeared after you selected Check for Updates.

That’s all there is when it comes to how to update Word. Happy writing, and best wishes!