Wondering if there is a security update available for Outlook, or new features, perhaps, as part of Microsoft 365? Find out here how to update Outlook for Windows, whether part of Microsoft 365, stand-alone or from Microsoft Store, and how to find and download Outlook updates manually.
First, a Damp Message in the Sand in the Bottle
Once the paper found in that uncorked bottle on an Australian beach early in 2018 was dry, it turned out to be one of many a message in a bottle released from the German meteorological research vessel Paula, this one on June 12, 1886.
Don’t want to wait so long for updates to Outlook?
How to Update Outlook for Windows
Microsoft 365 and Office Click-to-Run
Time needed: 7 minutes
To update Outlook for Windows to the latest version:
- Click File in Outlook.
Microsoft Store: If you installed Outlook or Office from the Microsoft Store, see below.
- Click Update Options next to Office Updates.
- Select Update Now from the menu that has appeared.
- Wait for the update to Outlook to download and install.
All of Office: Updates available for other Office applications you have installed will be fetched and applied as well, of course.
- Save all notes, drafts, calendar items etc. currently open in Outlook.
- Click Continue under Save your work before continuing.
- Wait while Outlook closes and the update installs.
- Click Close under Updates were installed.
Nothing to do: The updated Outlook for Windows starts automatically.
On a Mac? How to Update Outlook for Mac
Is Windows itself up to date? How to Get Your Windows Version and Build Number
Office or Outlook using Windows Installer (MSI Files)
To update a version of Outlook that has been installed using Windows Installer (MSI) files:
- Use the steps above for Office Click-to-Run.
- If that fails, download and install available updates manually; see below.
Outlook or Office from the Microsoft Store
To check for the latest version of Outlook and Office installed from Microsoft Store:
- Open Outlook in Microsoft Store.
- Click the three dots next to Launch.
- Select Update from the menu that has appeared.
- Wait for the update to download and install.
If Update (or Launch) are not available:
- Do click Profile in Microsoft Store and check you are logged in with the account you used to purchase Outlook or Office.
- Click the three dots menu button in the Microsoft Store toolbar.
- Select Downloads and updates.
- Click Get updates.
How to Update Outlook for Windows: FAQ
Where can I find the Outlook for Windows release notes?
To find out what’s new with each release of Outlook for Windows:
- Visit the release notes for the current Microsoft 365 channel.
- For other versions of Outlook and Office, find the release notes on related pages:
Outlook 2021 release notes
Outlook 2016 and 2019 release notes
Outlook 2013 release notes
How do I know what kind of Outlook installation I have?
To find out which installation type your copy of Outlook uses:
- Click File in Outlook.
- Now choose Office Account.
No Office Account: If you do not see Office Account, select Account. - Look under About Outlook to identify the type of installation:
Microsoft Store: If you see Microsoft Store following a build number, Outlook is from Microsoft Store.
Click-to-Run: If you see Click-to-Run following a build number, you are using the Outlook Click-to-Run.
Nothing: If you see nothing (no build number, no Microsoft Store and no Click-to-Run), you are using the Windows Installer (MSI) version.
Can I download update files for Outlook manually?
Yes.
You can download updates for Outlook from Microsoft manually for the Click-to-Run and Windows Installer versions.
Microsoft 365: Note that individual updates for Outlook as part of a subscription such as Microsoft 365 are not available as manual downloads.
To download the latest patches and service packs for Outlook manually and install it on your computer:
- Visit Latest updates for versions of Office that use Windows Installer (MSI).
- Find your version of Outlook and follow the links to KBxxxxxxx updates under Latest Service Pack (SP) and Latest Public Update (PU).
- Now follow the links to Download Center, where you can download the update.
- Double-click the Outlook (or Office) update and follow the steps to install.
Outlook and Office deployment: For distributing Outlook and Outlook updates through an organization, see the various release channels available (monthly and semiannually in addition to the standard update process) and how to configure automatic updates.
(How to update Outlook for Windows tested with Version 2312 on Windows 11; updated May 2024)