Microsoft has released an urgent patch for Office 2016 to address a critical issue causing key applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook to crash unexpectedly.
The new update, KB5002623, was issued on April 10, 2025, following widespread reports of performance disruptions attributed to the earlier KB5002700 update.
This latest patch applies exclusively to the Microsoft Installer (.msi)-based version of Office 2016, not to Click-to-Run editions such as Microsoft 365.
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Users affected by recent crashes in the suite’s core components are strongly encouraged to install both updates (KB5002700 and KB5002623) to restore full functionality.
Improvements and Fixes
According to Microsoft’s release notes, KB5002623 addresses the underlying issue introduced by the KB5002700 update, which caused Office apps to stop responding.
Specifically, the patch targets performance instability in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, ensuring smoother operations for users.
This fix is particularly critical for businesses and individuals who rely on the Office 2016 suite for daily operations.
The crashing issue garnered significant attention in the Office user community, and Microsoft has swiftly mitigated the problem.
How to Download and Install the Update
The KB5002623 update is available for manual download via the Microsoft Download Center. Users can choose the appropriate version for their system (32-bit or 64-bit).
For those uncertain about their platform, the guide “Am I running 32-bit or 64-bit Office?” provides instructions on verifying the version of Office installed.
Steps for Installation:
- Visit the Microsoft Download Center and locate the KB5002623 update.
- Download the file corresponding to your platform (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
- Restart your device if prompted.
Important Notes for Users
Virus Protection:
Microsoft assures users that the update file has been scanned using the latest virus-detection software. It is hosted on secure servers to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Prerequisites:
Before applying KB5002623, ensure that Office 2016 is already installed on your device.
File Details:
The update modifies core Office components, such as Mso20win32client.dll, with precise version and size details shared for transparency.
Users can find timestamps for these files listed in UTC, which adjust to the system’s local time zone automatically.
How to Uninstall the Update
If users encounter issues post-installation, the update can be uninstalled via the Control Panel:
- Open the start menu and navigate to Control Panel.
- In the search bar, type “Installed Updates.”
- Locate KB5002623 in the list of updates.
- Select the update and click “Uninstall.”
Microsoft has encouraged all users of Office 2016 to implement both KB5002700 and KB5002623 without delay to ensure a stable and functional experience.
The company has reiterated its commitment to promptly resolving user issues and providing seamless software services.
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