Keep Outlook Updated

Simple steps to enable automatic updates

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by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated May 21, 2019

All versions of Outlook after Outlook 2013 are configured to automatically update when Microsoft makes new updates available. However, these updates could get accidentally deactivated, which prevents scheduled updates from automatically downloading and being applied. When you keep Outlook up to date, the newest advancements are available, any bugs are fixed, and patches are applied.

Instructions in this article apply to Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, and Outlook for Office 365. Updates to Outlook.com are managed by Microsoft and handled automatically.

How to Enable and Check for Outlook Updates

If you check your Account settings and see that Outlook is not updating automatically, a quick fix will restore the automated update feature.

  1. Go to the File tab and choose Office Account.

    Screenshot of accessing Office Account in Outlook

  2. Select Update Options > Enable Updates.

    Screenshot of enabling updates in Outlook

    If you don't see Enable Updates or if it is greyed out, it means that automatic updates are enabled or that your Office administrator has set up a group policy to update Outlook

  3. Select Yes if you are asked whether you want to allow Outlook to make changes to your computer.

How to View Outlook Updates

Microsoft keeps a list of Outlook updates on its website. Here's how to access those updates and learn what they provide to Outlook:

  1. Go to the File tab and choose Office Account.

  2. Select Update Options > View Updates.

    Screenshot of View Updates in Outlook

  3. The What's New in Office 365 page opens in your default web browser that details recent changes to the Office programs.

    Screenshot of reviewing Outlook Updates online

  4. In the What's new in your favorite Office app section, select Outlook.

  5. On the What's new in Outlook for Office 365 page, read why the update has been issued and what it addresses or adds to your Outlook email program.

  6. Click Learn More for detailed information on the upgrade.