MS16-099: Description of the security update for Office 2016 for Mac: August 22, 2016

This security update resolves vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office that could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Office file. To learn more about these vulnerabilities, see Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-099. Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac includes versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that are designed for the Mac. The August 22, 2016, update provides fixes for issues in the Office 2016 for Mac Suite that affect Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Notes

• To install this update, you must be running OS X Yosemite 10.10 or a later version.
• If you already have Office for Mac 2011 installed, you can run Office for Mac 2011 and Office 2016 for Mac side-by-side. If you want to remove Office for Mac 2011, see Uninstall Office 2011 for Mac.
• If you are prompted for a password when you install this update, enter the administrator password on Mac OS X. For more information, see Mac OS X: Software installations require administrator password.

For a complete list of affected versions of Microsoft Office software, see KB3177451.

Improvements and fixes

This update provides the following fixes and improvements.

• Outlook

  • 64-Bit Outlook: Enjoy improved reliability when you work in Outlook.
  • View simplified summary cards in your travel confirmation and package delivery emails, and in your calendar. For Office 365 subscribers only when using Office 365 and new or upgraded Outlook.com accounts.
  • Add the at sign (@) followed by a person's name to the body of an email or calendar item. That person will automatically be added to the To line of the message. For Office 365 subscribers only.
  • Calendar view now shows the correct day and event.
  • Removed duplicate organizer in the schedule assistant view.
  • Fixed the default font preferences for plain text messages.

• Excel

  • 64-Bit Excel: Enjoy improved application performance and reliability when you work with very large files.
  • Find and fix accessibility issues in your spreadsheets by using the Accessibility Checker on the Review tab.

• Word

  • 64-Bit Word: Enjoy improved application performance and reliability when you work with very large files.
  • Find and fix accessibility issues in your documents using the Accessibility Checker on the Review tab.

• PowerPoint

  • 64-Bit PowerPoint: Enjoy improved application performance and reliability when you work with very large files.
  • Make your slides more dynamic by adding an animated background image. For Office 365 subscribers only.
  • Find and fix accessibility issues in your presentations by using the Accessibility Checker on the Review tab.

• OneNote

  • 64-Bit OneNote: Enjoy improved reliability when you work in OneNote.
  • Select what happens when your stylus is detected. Automatically switch to drawing, or keep using the stylus as a mouse.

• AutoUpdate 3.6

  • AutoUpdate no longer prompts for the local administrator password when it installs updates.