MC1183012 - Retiring the ability to create Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) packages for Microsoft 365 Apps

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.