Configure Office Update Channel

Why you would use the Configure Office Update Channel Worklet?

This Worklet will set the Microsoft Office update channel to one specified by the administrator. Ultimately, the ability to customize the update channel settings empowers you to optimize your Microsoft Office suite's performance and security while aligning with your organization's specific needs.

How to configure the Office update channel with this PowerShell Worklet

The Configure Office Update Channel Worklet sets the Office update channel to the desired setting. The options are:

Current: Provides users with new Office features as soon as they’re ready, on no set schedule.

FirstReleaseCurrent: Preview release of the Current channel.

MonthlyEnterprise: Provides users with new Office features once a month and on a predictable schedule.

Deferred: For select devices, extensive testing is needed before deploying new Office features.

FirstReleaseDeferred: Preview release of Deferred channel.

InsiderFast: Beta release channel. Frequent updates. Builds sent to FirstReleaseChannel.

What does each Office channel setting mean?

Each channel represents a different release cycle and update frequency for Office applications. For a deeper dive into the desired settings, see the list below:

Current

The "Current" channel is the default update channel for Office. It provides regular updates with the latest features, improvements, and security patches. This channel is suitable for individuals or organizations that want to stay up to date with the most recent Office updates.

FirstReleaseCurrent

The "FirstReleaseCurrent" channel is an early access channel that allows participants to receive updates before they are rolled out to the general public on the Current Channel. This channel is ideal for users who want to get a preview of upcoming features and provide feedback to Microsoft.

MonthlyEnterprise

The "MonthlyEnterprise" channel is designed for organizations that require a predictable monthly update schedule. It provides a reliable monthly release of updates that have undergone additional testing and validation within an enterprise environment. This channel prioritizes stability while still delivering regular updates.

Deferred

The "Deferred" channel, sometimes referred to as the "Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted)," is a release cycle that offers a more conservative approach to updates. It delivers feature and quality updates twice a year, providing a longer testing and stabilization period. The Deferred channel is suitable for organizations that prioritize stability and require more time to validate updates before deployment.

FirstReleaseDeferred

The "FirstReleaseDeferred" channel, also known as the "First Release for Deferred Channel," combines early access with a more conservative update cycle. Participants in this channel receive updates before they are available to the general public on the Deferred channel. It allows organizations to evaluate and test updates earlier while still following a slower, more stable update pace.

InsiderFast

The "InsiderFast" channel is part of the Office Insider Program, which provides early access to Office updates for enthusiastic users who want to try out the latest features, enhancements, and fixes. This channel offers the most frequent updates but may also be less stable compared to other channels.

Why you should configure the Office update channel

Configuring the Office update channel allows you to have more control over how and when updates are delivered to your Office suite, ensuring a smoother and more controlled update process. By adjusting the update channel settings, you can align the update schedule with your organization's needs and mitigate any potential disruptions. Let's explore the benefits of configuring the Office Update Channel using the provided keywords.

Office provides different update channels to cater to various user preferences and organizational requirements. Configuring the Office update channel for computer configuration allows you to specify the update behavior for each computer in your organization. You can customize the update settings based on factors such as device type, user roles, and compatibility requirements.

Configuring the Office update channel allows you to manage the update process for the Office program files. You can choose to automatically download and install updates or specify a manual installation process for more control.

By configuring the Office Update Channel, you can strike a balance between receiving the latest features and maintaining a stable environment. It helps streamline the update process, minimizes compatibility issues, and reduces the risk of disruptions caused by unexpected changes.