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

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. 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? 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. Message ID: MC1183012

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