Overview of the Emergency Update
Recognizing a critical flaw, Microsoft swiftly rolled out an emergency update for Office 2016 to resolve an issue causing apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook to crash. This problem surfaced after the KB5002700 security update, which was intended to enhance protection against several vulnerabilities.
Initial User Reports and Microsoft’s Response
Problems were first reported by users on platforms like Reddit, where they observed that Office applications were failing to launch. Subsequent user feedback indicated that Office programs like Word crashed upon opening, and Outlook experienced similar issues in calendar view. Through prompt acknowledgment and action, Microsoft addressed these concerns with the KB5002623 update.
How to Download and Install the Update
Office 2016 users impacted by these crashes can download the KB5002623 update directly from Microsoft’s Download Center. It’s crucial to note that this fix is specific to the Microsoft Installer (.msi)-based version of Office 2016. For a complete resolution, ensure that both KB5002700 and KB5002623 updates are installed.
Additional Fixes and Enhancements
Alongside the crash issue, the latest updates from Microsoft also rectify other problems:
- Correction of the standalone download link for localized versions of classic Outlook, which were defaulting to English.
- A confirmed ongoing effort to resolve a licensing issue potentially affecting Microsoft 365 users with Family subscriptions.
Last month, a separate update mended issues in the new Outlook email client that caused crashes when users attempted to revert to classic Outlook.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s proactive approach in addressing software hitches that hinder productivity shows their commitment to user satisfaction and software reliability. Regular updates and the immediate release of emergency fixes ensure that users can maintain seamless operation in their professional environments.
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Last Updated: April 10, 2025
