Office 2016 and 2019 holdouts blame update for license deactivation bug
But was the update at fault? Microsoft isn't saying
Recent optional updates for older Microsoft 365 applications may be linked to sudden deactivation of Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 installations, according to users. The update, KB5002907, targets Windows PCs running Microsoft 365 Apps that are over 90 days outdated. The bug seems to primarily affect Home and Business perpetual license installations, rendering users' authenticated status invalid and prompting repeated prompts to re-enter their product key or face reduced functionality.
Users report experiencing alarming pop-ups and warnings indicating imminent functionality loss, with one solution being to re-enter the original product key to restore activation. Several users, including a Register reader, experienced the issue, which caused their Office 2016 installations to cease functioning. The problem was reportedly tied to the installation of KB5002907, an optional update for outdated Microsoft 365 Apps.
While Microsoft states that installing the update can help apps return to a current build, users noted the issue began coinciding with the update's release. Microsoft ended support for Office 2016 and 2019 on October 14, 2025, and although the company is not obligated to release updates for the software, recent patches have caused unexpected consequences, such as the Excel paste issues.
Microsoft's history of releasing patches with adverse effects is not new, though in the case of Apple's version of Office 2019, the bricking was intentional due to the certificate's expiration. Experts urge users to consider subscribing to Microsoft 365 in light of such occurrences.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
