Microsoft 365 apps can now update overnight, even if left open
A new feature for Microsoft 365 will update apps even when a machine is locked or idle.
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What you need to know
Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, can now perform updates while a system is idle or locked. The new feature is called “update under lock,” and it utilizes Microsoft’s Click-To-Run technology. When enabled, update under lock will find a safe time to shut down an app, perform an update, and then restore closed apps to their previous state.
Microsoft shares an example of when the new feature could be useful in aTech Community post.
“A common scenario is for users to leave apps open on their device for extended periods of time. For example, if a user is working on a Word document at the end of the day, they may leave the document open and lock the device intending to continue working on it the next day. When users leave their documents open in this manner, it prevents Office from applying updates. With this feature, the user will come back to a machine in its previous state, but they will be running the latest bits.”
Update under lock will not shut down an app when it’s unsafe to do so, such as when a macro is running or the document has unsaved changes.
The following Windows devices will be affected by the change:
Windows devices only for
All devices, regardless of update endpoint, that are receiving updates from:
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
