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Summary
Microsoft will retire the ability to create App-V packages for Microsoft 365 Apps starting January 13, 2026, focusing on Click-to-Run deployment instead. Existing App-V packages will still work, but new ones cannot be created with updated tools. Organizations should transition to Click-to-Run before this date.
Details
Introduction
We’re retiring the ability to create App-V packages for Microsoft 365 Apps starting January 13, 2026. This change aligns with our focus on modern deployment methods and continued investment in Click-to-Run, which offers improved performance, reliability, and supportability.
What is App-V?
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) is a technology that enables applications to be deployed in a virtualized format, allowing them to run on end-user devices without being installed directly. This helps reduce application conflicts and simplifies management in enterprise environments. While App-V has been useful for certain deployment scenarios, its use for Microsoft 365 Apps has become increasingly uncommon.When this will happen:
This change will take effect on January 13, 2026. After this date, new versions of the Office Deployment Tool will no longer support App-V packaging for Microsoft 365 Apps.
How this affects your organization:
- Who is affected: Organizations that use the Office Deployment Tool in packager mode to create App-V packages for Microsoft 365 Apps.
- What will happen:
- The Office Deployment Tool will no longer support creation of App-V packages using the /packager argument after January 13, 2026. (Example: setup.exe /packager packageconfig.xml)
- Existing App-V packages will continue to function, but no new packages can be created using updated tools.
- Organizations using Click-to-Run are not affected.
- No changes will occur for organizations that do not use App-V for deployment.
What you can do to prepare:
- Review your deployment strategy before January 13, 2026.
- Transition to Click-to-Run deployment, which remains fully supported.
- Update internal documentation and deployment scripts to reflect this change.
- Communicate this change to IT and helpdesk teams.
- Learn more about Click-to-Run deployment: Create an App-V package for Microsoft 365 Apps
Compliance considerations:
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.