Thought Leadership
Microsoft has paused optional update KB5002907. It had deactivated Office 2016 and 2019 licenses and partially removed installations.
Microsoft has paused the distribution of update KB5002907. Users had reported that it deactivated perpetual licenses for Office 2016 and Office 2019 and, in some cases, completely removed the installations.
Update for Outdated Microsoft 365 Installations
KB5002907 is an optional update for Microsoft 365 Apps installations that are more than 90 days outdated and use the Current Channel or the Monthly Enterprise Channel. It was intended to help these installations receive updates again and transition to a current build. According to Microsoft, the update is offered via Windows Update and is not installed automatically. It was released around September 23.
“Unlicensed Product” for One-Time Purchase Versions
Christian Van Hautte, operator of a Managed Service Provider in Belgium, reported to BleepingComputer that five independent customers had contacted him within about ten minutes on September 24. On dozens of computers, Office 2016 and Office 2019 Home & Business were displayed as an unlicensed product. According to him, the update was installed automatically there despite being classified as optional. Re-entering the original product key restored activation. Other users reported that they had to log in with a Microsoft account and select the license to resolve the issue.
Office Completely Removed in Some Cases
According to Van Hautte, KB5002907 removes the existing Office installation and reinstalls or migrates it. On systems with components of different architectures, such as 32-bit Office alongside a 64-bit Access Runtime, the reinstallation fails because Office does not allow mixing both architectures. The computers are then left without Office. Microsoft has not confirmed this connection. Similar reports appeared on Reddit and in Microsoft forums.
Microsoft Confirms Two Issue Patterns
“We are aware of these reports and have paused the update while we investigate them. Further guidance for customers will be communicated through the appropriate channels.”
Microsoft
In the support article for KB5002907, Microsoft lists two issues. If Office appears as unlicensed, customers are advised to reactivate their purchased product. In rare cases, Office is completely removed. Affected users should download and reinstall their purchased version of Office 2016 or Office 2019. Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 already ended on October 14, 2025.
(Editorial Team)
