Windows update of 9/24/2026 damaged Office Professional 2019

Question

Microsoft update, without my permission, invaded my computer and screwed up my setup of Office Professional 2019. Even removed the icons for Word and Excel from my task bar. When I tried to reinstall to recover my setup, it tried to change it to Office 365. It seems I can use the apps now, at least Word and Excel, but all the docs I had set up to pin to task bar, don't have that setting anymore. How can I block these attempts to install Office 365 and any other related interference?

Microsoft, when you cause problems for users, it's your ethical responsibility to make it right.

Answer 1

Several users have reported issues with activation for older perpetual (one-time purchase) licenses of Office over the past few days. It seems that reinstalling (if necessary) and then reactivating does fix the problem for many users.

I recommend that you report the issue directly to the Microsoft developers, by using the feedback portal at https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/ .