> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/getting-started/getting-to-know-simnet/microsoft-office-versions.md).
# Microsoft Office Versions
Microsoft publishes multiple versions and channels for Office Apps.
## What are Microsoft 365 Apps?
Microsoft 365 Apps is the locally installed version of Office that’s available through many Office 365 subscription plans and includes all of the Office apps. Microsoft 365 Apps is updated regularly. These updates occur at a different pace depending on the update channel you or your organization has selected.
### What are Windows Update Channels?
Microsoft 365 Apps can update on different channels, which mainly control how quickly users receive new features and how predictable the update schedule is. All channels receive security updates regularly but the main difference is how quickly new features arrive and how much control/predictability an organization wants over change.
There are three main update channels:
* **Current Channel:** Fastest feature release cadence with updates pushed once a month (likely more often), but on no set schedule.
* **Monthly Enterprise Channel:** Predictable updates that release once a month, on the second Tuesday of the month.
* **Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel:** For specialized or controlled devices where stability/testing matters most with updates released once a month.
Update channels are specific to the device being used and are set when Office 365 Apps is installed. For example, lab computers may be set to run on a different channel than a student’s personal computer. Each Microsoft 365 subscription is subscribed to a default update channel but can be changed.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** [Microsoft's Help Topic](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/overview-update-channels)
{% endhint %}
### Office for Mac Update Channels
Mac users have fewer update channels and two require users to join the Microsoft 365 Insider program, which allows early access to preview features.
* **Current Channel:** This is the default channel for all Mac users, which releases approximately once a month.
* **Beta Channel:** Part of the Insider program. Weekly releases that are best for early adopters, testers, and IT pros working in test environments who do not mind occasional bugs
* **Current Channel (Preview):** Part of the Insider program. Monthly releases that are best for those that want early access to updates.
To view your Mac Update Channel, open an application, like **Word**. Click **Help** in the top menu. Select **Check for Updates** and click the **Advanced** button. Select your channel from the Update Channel drop-down menu.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** [Microsoft's Help Topic](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/overview-update-channels)
{% endhint %}
### Office Online App Updates
Office Online Apps are updated according to their organization's preference. Typically, Microsoft will release changes to the Office Online Apps on a monthly cadence.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** Office Online Projects
{% endhint %}
### How does this affect SIMnet?
SIMnet releases simulation updates twice a year around February and August affecting the SIMbook content, Exam Questions, Show Me, Guide Me, and Let Me Try exercises.
For projects, alternate instructions are added for changes that appear in the current channel but have not yet been released in the Semi-Annual Enterprise channel.
### How do I know which version of Microsoft 365 Apps I have?
If you are unsure which version of Office you have, open any Office file (or create a new blank file). Click the **File** tab to open Backstage view. Click **Account** or **Help** from the list at the left of the screen. Your Office installation information will be listed on the next screen. Click the **Update Options** button to show the available options and select the right choice.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/getting-started/getting-to-know-simnet/microsoft-office-versions.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.