More and more, there are differences between Microsoft Office two variants the ‘Click to Run’ install and the older ‘MSI’ install (download a single large install package then install).
Originally, Microsoft promoted both install options as giving the same final software but that’s changing. ‘Click to Run’ installations are now getting new and changed features in Office 2016 for Windows as part of the Office 365 annual fee. These are not available to an MSI install (which is from a ‘perpetual licence’ one off purchase).
How can you tell if an Office install is ‘Click to Run’ or MSI?
There are many little differences but the easiest is on File | Account. Look for the ‘Update Options’ button. If that’s present, it’s a ‘Click to Run’ installation.
If not, it’s a MSI install.
