Microsoft has introduced a new version of its office and productivity suite that will make it easier for IT departments to maintain up-to-date software. According to a corporate blog post, a new capability in Microsoft 365 now allows IT, managers, to push updates to business laptops and PCs even while they are idle or locked down.
When the functionality detects that it is safe to do so, it will terminate any instances of the outdated program currently executing, apply the update, and then restart the instance. It looks like four seconds is the average time this takes.
Office software from Microsoft receives hundreds of updates and security fixes every year.
The problem for businesses is that employees are not likely to voluntarily install updates, while forced update techniques typically involve some degree of annoyance.
The new “update under lock” feature, according to Microsoft, would allow companies to ensure their installations are as safe and up-to-date as possible without disrupting their employees’ productivity.
“Do constant alerts to install updates drive you or your customers crazy? The company wanted to know, “Do you struggle to obtain compliance?”
No need to worry, though; Microsoft has optimized the process of applying updates to Microsoft 365 programs so that they may be installed even if the computer is closed or idle.
By preserving the app state before shutting, “Update under lock” can make updates more dependable and help you meet compliance within your timeframes without interrupting internal users.
The new feature applies to practically all pre-existing Microsoft 365 products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for example) installed on Windows devices, although the collaboration platform Teams has its upgrade approach.
TechRadar Pro has reached out to Microsoft to inquire as to whether or not macOS will have this functionality soon.
According to Microsoft, the enhancement will be deployed automatically to eligible users and will operate “under the hood to make your life simpler.