(I think this is even less likely, but Google does this with their desktop apps) Automatically, based on some hidden mechanism.The next time you manually check for updates.The next time any MS app (Word, Excel, Edge, etc.) gets updated.The next time the MS AutoUpdate app gets updated.Some conditions that might cause it to happen (in order from most-likely to least-likely, based entirely on my gut feeling) include: I don’t know that they will, but it is a definite possibility. If you do this, be aware that MS might revert the change. MacOS’s “launch control” service can override the Disabled key, but if it doesn’t, this will effectively turn it off.

the one built-in to XCode) and change the Disabled key to true. If you want to turn it off, try one of the following:ĭelete the file, or move it to some other location if you want a backup copy It runs every two hours (the StartInterval key, set to 7200 seconds), with the first run taking place when a user logs in (the RunAtLoad key, set to true).(If it was a LaunchDaemon, it would run even when nobody is logged in.)

As a LaunchAgent, it will be scheduled to run whenever a user is logged in.

It is running a sub-app within the Microsoft AutoUpdate application package.

The information most relevant to our discussion is: Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant The XML representation of the file on my computer is: You can use QuickLook to view it as XML data or open it for editing using XCode. It’s a binary-format Apple property-list file. There is a LaunchAgent file (/Library/LaunchAgents/.plist) which appears to be the culprit. It does not prevent it from checking for updates. The check box to “automatically keep…” prevents automatic installation of updates.

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