Cannot update Microsoft Powerpoint and Word on MacBook Air

To fix Microsoft app update errors on macOS on any Macbook or iMac, ensure your macOS is up-to-date (at least Monterey).

Try clearing the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) cache by deleting com.microsoft.autoupdate.fba in ~/Library/Caches, installing the latest MAU separately, or running a full uninstall and reinstall of Office. Check Privacy & Security settings for necessary app permissions and temporarily disable antivirus software if needed.

Common Solutions:

Update Your macOS:

• • Open System Preferences (or System Settings).
  • Go to Software Update and install any available macOS updates. Microsoft requires recent macOS versions (like Monterey or newer) for app updates.

Clear Microsoft AutoUpdate Cache:

• • Open Finder and click Go > Go to Folder.
  • Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter.
  • Find and delete the file com.microsoft.autoupdate.fba.
  • Restart your Mac and try updating again.

Manually Update Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU):

• • If you see an error message, close the error window.
  • Click the provided link to download the latest MAU installer.
  • Run the downloaded package script to replace your existing AutoUpdater.

Check App Permissions (Privacy & Security):

• • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
  • Ensure Microsoft apps have necessary permissions like Accessibility and Files and Folders.

Temporarily Disable Security Software:

• • Antivirus or other security software can interfere with updates.
  • Temporarily disable them and try updating again.

Perform a Clean Install:

• • Use the Microsoft Office Removal Tool to completely uninstall Office.
  • Restart your Mac.
  • Download and install the latest version of Office.