PowerPoint Version 2604 "Save As" Error Workaround

We are currently tracking a known issue with Microsoft PowerPoint Version 2604. Users may encounter an error when attempting to use the "Save As" feature to save files to Egnyte, often resulting in an empty file or a failure message.

Microsoft is actively working on a permanent fix. In the meantime, we recommend that administrators downgrade affected users to the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Version 2508) to restore full functionality.

Step 1: Install Office Administrative Templates

Before managing Office channels via Group Policy, ensure the latest Administrative Templates (ADMX/ADML) is installed on the Domain Controller.

1. Download the Administrative Template files (ADMX/ADML) for Microsoft 365 Apps from the Official Microsoft Download Center.
2. Extract the downloaded files.
3. Copy the .admx files to C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions folder.
   
4. Copy .adml files to C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US folder.
   

Step 2: Configure the Group Policy Object (GPO)

1. Open the Group Policy Management console.
2. Create a new GPO (e.g., "Office-Channel-Selection") and link it to the appropriate Organizational Unit (OU) containing the user machines.
3. Right-click the GPO and select Edit.
4. Navigate to the following path:
   Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Microsoft
   Office 2016 (Machine) > Miscellaneous
5. Locate the setting: "Show the Update Channel option to allow users to select an
   update channel".
6. Set this policy to Enabled.
7. Under the Options pane, select the checkboxes for the desired channels to make available. To ensure the workaround is implemented correctly, ensure Semi-Annual Enterprise
   Channel is selected.
8. Click Apply and OK.

Step 3: Apply the Downgrade on User Machines

Once the policy is live, follow these steps on the affected user's machine:

1. Open a Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command to force the policy update: gpupdate /force
2. Open any Office application (e.g., Word or Excel) and navigate to File > Account.
3. Look for a new button labeled Update Channel. Click it.
4. Check the box for "I will manage my Microsoft 365 apps update channel".
5. Ensure "Check for and apply updates" is also checked.
6. From the dropdown menu, select Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.
7. Click OK. Office will begin downloading and installing the appropriate version (2508).
    

Step 4 Change the Update Channel in Office

1. Open any Office application like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. 
2. Go to File -> Account. 
3. Click the Update Channel button on the right side. 
4. Tick the box for "I will manage my Microsoft 365 apps update channel". 
5. Ensure the box for "Check for and apply updates" is ticked. 
6. In the dropdown menu, select the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. 
7. Click OK to finish. Office will begin downloading and installing the selected version to resolve the "Save As" issue.

Additional Resources

For a deep dive into managing Office update channels, please refer to the official Microsoft documentation:
Change the Microsoft 365 Apps update channel for devices in your organization