# Microsoft AutoUpdate > application for automatic updates of MS Office on macOS **Wikidata**: [Q130466843](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130466843) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/microsoft-autoupdate ## Summary Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) is a software application developed by Microsoft to automatically manage and install updates for MS Office on macOS operating systems. It ensures that Mac users running Microsoft software have the latest features and security patches without manual intervention. The application is identifiable by its bundle ID `com.microsoft.autoupdate2` and is typically located at `/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/`. ## Key Facts * **Developer:** Manufactured by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, United States. * **Function:** An application designed for the automatic updates of MS Office on macOS. * **Operating System:** Runs exclusively on macOS, the operating system for Apple computers (inception: 2001-03-24). * **Bundle ID:** `com.microsoft.autoupdate2` * **Aliases:** Also known as `Microsoft AutoUpdate.app` and `MAU2.0`. * **File Path:** The application is stated to reside at `/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app`. * **Download URL:** Available at `https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830196`. * **User Support:** The user manual is available in multiple languages at `https://support.microsoft.com/office/-bfd1e497-c24d-4754-92ab-910a4074d7c1`. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Microsoft AutoUpdate used for? A: Microsoft AutoUpdate is used to automatically download and install updates for Microsoft Office and potentially other Microsoft software on macOS computers. ### Q: Is Microsoft AutoUpdate a legitimate Microsoft application? A: Yes, it is an application manufactured by Microsoft (instance of: application) specifically for the macOS operating system. ### Q: Where is the Microsoft AutoUpdate application located on a Mac? A: According to structured data, the application is located at `/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app`. ### Q: Can I download Microsoft AutoUpdate separately? A: Yes, a download link is provided by Microsoft at `https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830196`, often used for troubleshooting Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac. ## Why It Matters Microsoft AutoUpdate plays a critical role in the software lifecycle management for millions of macOS users who rely on Microsoft productivity tools. Because the macOS operating system (incepted in 2001) functions differently from Windows, Microsoft requires a dedicated utility to handle the patching and version control of its Office suite on Apple hardware. Without this automated tool, users would be forced to manually search for, download, and install security patches and feature updates, increasing the risk of running unpatched or vulnerable software. As Microsoft has grown to employ over 220,000 people and remains a leader in the software development industry, tools like MAU are essential for maintaining the integrity and performance of their software ecosystem across non-Windows platforms. It serves as the bridge between Microsoft's software updates and the end-user's Apple computer environment. ## Notable For * **macOS Specificity:** Unlike generic update agents, it is specifically tailored for MS Office on the macOS operating system. * **Background Operation:** It functions as a background application (com.microsoft.autoupdate2) to deliver updates without constant user oversight. * **Official Distribution:** It is the official mechanism provided by the manufacturer (Microsoft) for maintaining Office software health. * **Troubleshooting Presence:** It has a distinct presence in troubleshooting guides for Microsoft 365, indicating its centrality to software stability on Mac. ## Body ### Application Profile Microsoft AutoUpdate is categorized as a software application (class: application) designed for end-users. Its primary utility is facilitating the automatic update process for the Microsoft Office suite on macOS. ### Technical Specifications The application operates under the bundle identifier `com.microsoft.autoupdate2`. It is commonly referenced as `MAU2.0` or by its file name `Microsoft AutoUpdate.app`. * **Installation Path:** `/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app` * **Platform:** macOS ### Manufacturer Context The application is produced by Microsoft, a major entity in the technology industry involved in software development. The company, founded on April 4, 1975, is headquartered in Redmond, United States. Microsoft serves as the primary driver for the software, providing the necessary infrastructure for the download URL and user manuals associated with the tool. ### Support and Maintenance Resources for Microsoft AutoUpdate include a direct download URL (`https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830196`) which is frequently cited in troubleshooting documentation for Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac. Additionally, a user manual is available to assist users in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for a global user base. ## References 1. [Troubleshoot Microsoft AutoUpdate in Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac - Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot-microsoft-autoupdate-in-microsoft-365-and-office-for-mac-d12d756a-4bb1-4c93-93a7-3d82aa918351)