Microsoft 365 Apps channel migration

NOTE  This article only applies to standard Software Management. It does not concern Advanced Software Management.

Summary

As of the time of writing, Software Management has two definitions for Microsoft 365 Apps (otherwise known as Office 365) across two update channels:

  • Current Channel
  • Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (SAC)

The Semi-Annual Enterprise channel is being de-emphasized by Microsoft, with Redmond requesting users migrate from SAC to the Monthly Enterprise Channel. Accordingly, on August 1, 2026, Software Management will be reconfigured to serve:

  • Current Channel (staying the same)
  • Monthly Enterprise Channel (in place of Semi-Annual Enterprise)

When this changeover occurs, Microsoft 365 Apps installations still using the Semi-Annual Channel will no longer update through Software Management.

Administrators will need to either migrate the software's Channel assignment or discontinue use of Software Management to keep the app updated.

How to migrate Office 365 Apps channels

To migrate the channel assignment for a Windows device's Microsoft 365 Apps (Office 365) installation, follow these steps:

  1. From the ComStore, download or update the Component Microsoft 365 Apps (Office) Configuration Tool [WIN].
  2. Create a Quick Job or a Scheduled Job to run the Component on a device, making sure to set the usrChannel variable to Monthly Enterprise.

    NOTE  It is strongly recommended that you perform these steps on a single device first to ensure it works before deploying to additional devices.

  3. After the job completes successfully, run the "Microsoft 365 Apps (Office) - Monthly Enterprise [WIN]" component on the same device. Microsoft's tooling handles the channel migration.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any remaining devices that are assigned to the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.

After a successful migration to the Monthly Enterprise Channel, Software Management will be able to deliver the Microsoft 365 Apps updates to these devices as normal; you should not need to redownload or reinstall the apps.

What happens if you do not migrate? 

If Office 365 Apps for Semi-Annual Channel remains on devices after the August 1, 2026 cutoff, the apps will continue to receive updates, but not through Software Management. Software Management's Semi-Annual Enterprise definition will be reconfigured to serve updates for Monthly Enterprise, and when it runs against a device on the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, it will report an error and exit.

NOTE  The Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel is not being deprecated by Microsoft, but it will receive updates less often.