Overview
- Microsoft stopped distribution of the optional update KB5002907 after reports that the late-September rollout caused some systems to stop recognizing Office licenses and in some cases removed Office entirely.
- Microsoft said the update was a 'repair action' meant to bring outdated Microsoft 365 apps to a current build but acknowledged unexpected results on devices running one-time-purchase Office 2016 and Office 2019.
- The company recommends affected users try manual reactivation or a full reinstall and to contact support if those steps fail, with initial help routed through an AI interface that can escalate to human agents for this issue.
- Managed service providers reported that the optional update sometimes installed without clear consent on customer machines, raising questions about Windows Update behavior for optional fixes.
- The incident is complicated by Office 2016 and 2019 reaching end of support in October 2025, which limits standard fixes, increases upgrade costs for users, and raises broader concerns about update testing and product lifecycles.