September 15, 2022
Microsoft has introduced a new method for updating Microsoft 365 apps called the “update under lock” feature.
The feature guarantees users “zero notifications, zero disruptions” while reducing the need for forced updates. To do this, the feature tries to shut down Office apps when it is safe to do so and then apply a pending update. After that, the feature returns closed apps to their previous state.
“Update under lock” used Microsoft’s Click-to-Run virtualization and streaming technologies to deliver Office updates. The feature significantly eases stress for administrators whose users are fed up with update notifications for Office apps.
The new updates will not happen if macros are running, there are unsaved changes or apps cannot be safely shut down.
The feature is only available for Windows devices and customers with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, Visio and Project.
Users of Microsoft Teams cannot apply the update because Microsoft Teams has its own update process.
The feature is available for retail consumer/perpetual licenses for Office 2016, 2019 and 2021. It is also available for all devices that receive updates from Current Channel: Version 2109 or later, Monthly Enterprise Channel: Version 2112 or later, Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview): Version 2202 or later and Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel: Version 2208 or later, which will be available by January 2023.
The sources for this piece include an article in ZDNet.
