Rollback Microsoft Office to a Previous Version: The Definitive Guide

Updated at: 29/06/2025

Upgraded to a new version of Microsoft Office and regretting it? Don't panic! This definitive guide walks you through every method to roll back to a previous version, whether you used the installer, Microsoft 365, or a different deployment method. We cover troubleshooting common issues and offer preventative strategies for future upgrades. Let's get your familiar Office experience back!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Locate Click-to-Run Folder

    • Locate the Click-to-Run folder. Navigate to File Explorer -> This PC -> Your Windows Drive -> (32-bit or 64-bit folder depending on your system) -> Common Files -> Microsoft Shared -> ClickToRun.
    Locate the Click-to-Run folder. Navigate to File Explorer -> This PC -> Your Windows Drive -> (32-bit or 64-bit folder depending on your system) -> Common Files -> Microsoft Shared -> ClickToRun.
    Locate Click-to-Run Folder

  2. Copy Click-to-Run Path

    • Copy the path of the ClickToRun folder.
    Copy the path of the ClickToRun folder.
    Copy Click-to-Run Path

  3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

    • Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type 'cmd' in the search bar, right-click, and select 'Run as administrator'.
    Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type 'cmd' in the search bar, right-click, and select 'Run as administrator'.
    Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  4. Navigate to Click-to-Run Folder

    • Change the directory to the ClickToRun folder path. Type 'cd' followed by the copied path and press Enter.
    Change the directory to the ClickToRun folder path. Type 'cd' followed by the copied path and press Enter.
    Navigate to Click-to-Run Folder

  5. Identify Rollback Version

    • Determine the desired rollback version. Use the link provided in the video description to find the update version numbers. Identify the version you wish to revert to.
    Determine the desired rollback version. Use the link provided in the video description to find the update version numbers. Identify the version you wish to revert to.
    Identify Rollback Version

  6. Create Rollback Command

    • Construct the rollback command. The command is `office c2rc client.exe /update user update_version_number`. Replace `update_version_number` with the version number from step 5 (e.g., for Office 2016, the command might look like `office c2rc client.exe /update user 16.0.15629.20198`).
    Construct the rollback command. The command is `office c2rc client.exe /update user update_version_number`. Replace `update_version_number` with the version number from step 5 (e.g., for Office 2016, the command might look like `office c2rc client.exe /update user 16.0.15629.20198`).
    Create Rollback Command

  7. Close Office Applications

    • Close all Microsoft Office applications.
    Close all Microsoft Office applications.
    Close Office Applications

  8. Execute Rollback Command

    • Paste and execute the command in Command Prompt. Press Enter. The process may take 5-10 minutes.
    Paste and execute the command in Command Prompt. Press Enter. The process may take 5-10 minutes.
    Execute Rollback Command

  9. Verify Rollback

    • After the update, close the Microsoft update window and open Outlook (or other Office applications) to verify the rollback.
    After the update, close the Microsoft update window and open Outlook (or other Office applications) to verify the rollback.
    Verify Rollback

  10. Disable Automatic Updates (Optional)

    • Disable automatic updates to prevent future issues. Go to File -> Office Account -> Update Options -> Disable Updates.
    Optional: Disable automatic updates to prevent future issues. Go to File -> Office Account -> Update Options -> Disable Updates.
    Disable Automatic Updates (Optional)
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Tips

  • Ensure you have the ClickToRun folder. If not, you may have a Windows Store version of Office which requires a different method.
  • Use the provided link in the video description to find the update version numbers for your specific Office version.
  • Remember to close all Office applications before running the rollback command.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrectly Identifying the Previous Version

Reason: Users might select the wrong version from the available list of installed Office versions, leading to unintended consequences or failure to revert.
Solution: Carefully review the version numbers and release dates to ensure you select the correct previous Office version.

2. Insufficient Backup Before Rollback

Reason: Reverting to an older version can sometimes introduce unforeseen issues or data loss. Without a backup, recovery becomes significantly more difficult.
Solution: Always back up your important data and files before attempting to rollback Microsoft Office.

3. Ignoring System Requirements

Reason: Trying to install an older version of Office that's incompatible with the operating system or hardware can result in installation failure or system instability.
Solution: Verify that the previous Office version meets the minimum system requirements for your computer before attempting the rollback.

FAQs

I accidentally uninstalled my old Office version. Can I still rollback?
Unfortunately, if you've completely uninstalled the older version, restoring it directly isn't possible. You might need to reinstall it from a backup or, if you have a product key, download it again from Microsoft's website.
My Microsoft 365 subscription automatically updated Office. How do I revert to the previous version?
Microsoft 365 updates are typically automatic. You can't directly revert to a previous version within the app. The best approach is to uninstall the new version and then reinstall the desired previous version if you have the installer or download link.