Microsoft pauses Office update after license and installation errors

Microsoft has paused the distribution of an optional update, identified as KB5002907, following reports that it causes significant issues with Microsoft Office installations. The update was intended to bring Microsoft 365 apps that were more than 90 days behind in the Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel up to date.

Users have reported that the update causes permanent licenses for Office 2016, 2019, and 2021 to appear as unactivated or “Product without license.” In some instances, the update has reportedly caused the software to be completely uninstalled from devices.

Preliminary findings suggest the issue may stem from an architectural discrepancy between older Office versions and modern Windows components, specifically regarding the mixing of 32-bit and 64-bit components. While re-entering a product key can resolve many activation issues, users whose software was entirely removed may need to perform a full reinstallation.