Free Guide to Updating Outlook on Your Devices
Understanding Outlook and Why Updates Matter
Microsoft Outlook is an email and calendar management program used by millions of people worldwide for personal and professional communication. According to Microsoft, Outlook has over 400 million users globally. The program manages several key functions: receiving and sending emails, organizing contacts, scheduling appointments, and managing tasks. Updates to Outlook occur regularly throughout the year, with Microsoft releasing major updates annually and smaller security patches multiple times per month.
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Updates serve several important purposes. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers might otherwise exploit to access your email account or personal information. Performance updates make the program run faster and more smoothly. Feature updates add new tools and capabilities that users have requested or that improve how the program functions. Bug fixes address problems that users have reported, such as emails not syncing correctly or calendar events disappearing.
Outlook comes in several versions, which matters when considering updates. Microsoft Outlook 2019 and 2021 are one-time purchase versions that receive updates for a limited period. Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365) includes Outlook as part of a subscription service and receives continuous updates. Web-based Outlook.com is updated automatically by Microsoft. Mobile versions for iPhone, Android, and other devices have their own update schedules managed through app stores.
Understanding which version you use is the first step toward keeping it current. Users often think they cannot update their version when actually they can, or they believe updates happen automatically when they may need to initiate them manually. This guide walks through the update process for each main version and device type.
Practical takeaway: Determine which version of Outlook you use before attempting to update. Check your version by opening Outlook, clicking "File," then "Office Account" (or "About" on some versions) to see your current version number and update status.
Updating Outlook on Windows Computers
Windows users have different update paths depending on whether they use Outlook as a standalone 2019/2021 version, Microsoft 365, or web-based Outlook. For Microsoft 365 subscribers on Windows computers, Outlook typically updates automatically in the background. These updates usually install when you close and reopen Outlook, though some updates may require a computer restart.
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To check for updates manually on a Windows computer with Microsoft 365 Outlook, open Outlook and click the "File" menu at the top left. Select "Office Account" from the left sidebar. In the center section, you should see "About Outlook" and an "Update Options" button. Click "Update Options," then "Update Now" to check if any updates are waiting. Microsoft 365 typically shows a status message indicating whether you are current or if updates are available. This process takes between 5 to 30 minutes depending on the update size.
For Outlook 2019 or 2021 (one-time purchase versions), updates come through Windows Update. To check for these updates, open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings." Click on "Update & Security" or "Windows Update." Select "Check for updates." Windows will scan for all available updates, including any for Outlook. These updates install automatically on your schedule, though you can manually initiate the check at any time. Restart your computer after updates complete to ensure all changes take effect properly.
If you use web-based Outlook (Outlook.com), no action is needed on your part. Microsoft updates Outlook.com automatically on their servers. You may notice new features or design changes appear without warning—this is normal and indicates that Microsoft has deployed updates to the web version. Your version is always current when using Outlook.com through a web browser.
Practical takeaway: Windows Microsoft 365 users should check for updates monthly by going to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now. Outlook 2019/2021 users rely on Windows Update, which can be checked manually through Windows Settings. Restart your computer after updates install.
Updating Outlook on Mac Computers
Mac users with Microsoft 365 Outlook experience a similar update process to Windows, though the menu locations differ slightly. Updates on Mac typically install automatically when you close and reopen Outlook. To manually check for updates on a Mac, open Outlook and click "Outlook" in the menu bar at the very top of your screen. Select "Check for Updates" from the dropdown menu that appears. This opens the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, which scans for any available updates.
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The AutoUpdate window shows your current version and whether updates are available. If updates exist, you see an "Update" button. Click this button to begin the update process. On older Macs with slower internet connections, updates may take 20 to 45 minutes. During the update, you can continue using other applications, though Outlook will close. The program reopens automatically once the update completes. No restart is usually necessary, but some major updates may request one.
Mac users with Outlook 2019 receive updates through the Mac App Store. Open the App Store application on your Mac. Click the "Updates" tab at the top. If Outlook appears in the list of available updates, click the "Update" button next to it. The Mac App Store downloads and installs the update automatically. Your Mac may ask for your password during this process for security reasons. Once complete, Outlook is ready to use with the latest version installed.
If you experience issues with updates on Mac, such as updates failing to install or the program freezing during the update, first try restarting your computer. Sometimes temporary files interfere with updates. If problems persist, you can remove Outlook completely and reinstall it by downloading from Microsoft's website or the Mac App Store. This fresh installation often resolves update-related problems.
Practical takeaway: Mac Microsoft 365 users should check for updates by clicking Outlook > Check for Updates. Mac Outlook 2019 users should check the Mac App Store's Updates tab monthly. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for updates to complete, and your Outlook will close during the process.
Updating Outlook on iPhone and iPad
iPhone and iPad users access Outlook through the Outlook mobile app, available through the Apple App Store. Keeping the mobile app current ensures you have the latest security protections and features on your portable devices. Updates for the Outlook app work differently than desktop updates because app stores manage them centrally.
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By default, most iPhones and iPads are set to update apps automatically. You can verify this setting by opening the Settings app on your device. Tap "App Store," then scroll down and look for "App Updates." If "Automatic Updates" is enabled with the toggle switched on, all your apps, including Outlook, update automatically when you connect to Wi-Fi. This is the recommended setting for security reasons. If automatic updates are disabled, you must manually update Outlook periodically.
To manually update Outlook on iPhone or iPad, open the App Store app (the blue icon with a white star). Tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. Look for the section showing available app updates. If Outlook appears there, swipe left and tap "Update." The app begins downloading the new version. During the update, you can use other apps, though Outlook closes temporarily. Once the update finishes, an "Open" button appears, allowing you to launch the updated app.
Some users prefer to update manually rather than automatically to control when updates occur. This approach makes sense if you use Outlook for work and want to update during non-working hours. However, keeping your phone or tablet on the automatic update setting provides better security because you receive security patches within hours of Microsoft releasing them, rather than potentially weeks later if you forget to update manually.
Practical takeaway: Enable automatic app updates in iPhone/iPad Settings > App Store > Automatic Updates to keep Outlook current without manual effort. If you prefer manual updates, check the App Store's Updates tab monthly for available Outlook updates.
Updating Outlook on Android Devices
Android users install and update Outlook through Google Play Store, which functions similarly to the Apple App Store. Android devices also support automatic app updates, which most users find convenient. To enable automatic updates on Android, open Google Play Store by tapping the shopping bag icon on your home screen or app drawer. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Settings," then scroll down and tap "Network Preferences." Choose "Auto-update apps." Select "Auto-update apps over any network" to update whenever any internet connection is available, or "Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only" to update only
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.