Frequent pop-ups interrupt your work, especially when it comes to the dreaded “Unlicensed Product” error in Microsoft Word. It’s no secret that this issue is common, and many people do not know how to fix it.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you proven ways on how to fix the Word unlicensed product error. So, whether this is your first time experiencing the “Unlicensed Product” error or you’re looking for a solution after trying other avenues, this is for you.
Common Reasons for “Unlicensed Product” Message in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word unlicensed product error is a problem that occurs when a user’s product license is invalid or the license has expired. In this case, the user is unable to access and use the Microsoft Word application.
Word unlicensed product error can be caused by various factors, including expired product licenses, corrupted versions of the program, and unauthorized versions of the program installed by the user. When this happens, the user can’t use the application and can’t access certain features.
Resolving the Microsoft Word unlicensed product error typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the licensing issue. This may include renewing your subscription, reactivating the software with a valid license key, or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.
It's important to address this error promptly to ensure that you can continue using Microsoft Word legally and without interruption. Ignoring the unlicensed product error may result in restricted functionality or limited access to features within the software.
Solutions for “Unlicensed Product” in Microsoft Word
When trying to solve the Microsoft Word unlicensed product error, the first thing you need to do is try to find the source of the problem.
1. Expired Product License
To address the Microsoft Word unlicensed product error due to an expired license, consider the following steps:
Step 1: Verify License Status
Start by confirming whether your Word license has indeed expired. Check your subscription or licensing information through the Microsoft Office website or your account dashboard.
Step 2: Renew Subscription
If your license has expired, renew your subscription. You can do this by logging into your Microsoft account and following the prompts to renew your subscription. Alternatively, contact your organization's IT department or Microsoft support for assistance with renewal.
Step 3: Activate Office
If you've renewed your subscription or obtained a new license key, ensure that you activate it within Microsoft Word. Navigate to the "Account" or "Subscription" section in Word's settings, and follow the prompts to enter the new license information.
Step 4: Check Internet Connection
Ensure that your device is connected to the internet. Sometimes, an unstable or interrupted internet connection can prevent Office applications from verifying license status.
Step 5: Restart Word and Sign In
Close Microsoft Word and reopen it. Sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your subscription or license. This action can trigger a license re-verification process and resolve the error.
Step 6: Repair Office Installation
If the issue persists, consider repairing your Office installation. This process can fix any corrupted files or configurations that might be causing the licensing error. Instructions for repairing Office vary depending on your operating system, so consult Microsoft's support documentation for guidance.
Step 7: Contact Support
If none of the above steps resolve the problem, reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. Provide them with details about your subscription or license, any error messages you're encountering, and the steps you've already taken to troubleshoot. They can offer personalized guidance to help resolve the issue.
By following these steps, you should be able to address the "Unlicensed Product" error in Microsoft Word caused by an expired license and regain access to your Word documents and features.
2. Corrupted or Unauthorized Version of Microsoft Word
If the program has been corrupted or you installed an unauthorized version, you should uninstall the unauthorized version and reinstall the program from an official source.
This will make sure that you are running the most recent version of the program and that your license is up to date. Once you have reinstalled the program, you can try to run the program again to see if the problem has been fixed.
Another way to troubleshoot Microsoft Word Unlicensed Product is to check for any updates or patches that may be available for the program. Microsoft regularly releases updates and patches for their programs, so it is important to make sure that the user has the most up-to-date version installed. If there are any available updates or patches, the user should install them and then try to re-access the program.
Use Word for Free with WPS Office
WPS Office, developed by Kingsoft Office, is a comprehensive office suite that offers word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and many more. It provides users with a versatile platform for creating, editing, and sharing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations across various devices and operating systems.
One of the primary advantages of WPS Office is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike Microsoft Office, which often requires a subscription or one-time purchase, WPS Office offers a free version with robust features. This makes it an attractive option for individuals and businesses looking to save on office software expenses.
To use Word for free with WPS Office, you can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Download and Install WPS Office
Go to the official WPS Office website and download the installation file for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS). Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your device.
Step 2: Launch WPS Writer
Once installed, open WPS Office and launch WPS Writer, which is a word-processing application similar to Microsoft Word.
Step 3: Create or Open a Document
You can either create a new document by selecting "New" or "Blank Document" from the menu or open an existing Word document by choosing "Open" and navigating to the file location.
Step 4: Edit and Format
Use WPS Writer to edit and format your document just like you would in Microsoft Word. WPS Writer offers a similar interface and features, including text formatting, font styles, paragraph alignment, bullet points, headers, and more.
Step 5: Save Your Document
After making changes to your document, save it to your local device or cloud storage. WPS Writer supports various file formats, including .docx, the native format used by Microsoft Word.
FAQs
Can I use Word without a license?
Yes, you can use Microsoft Word without having an active license or activating key. However, you’ll be using a trial version with limited functionality and a time limit. After the trial period is up, you won’t be able to use the software unless you buy a license or find another way to activate it.
How to activate unlicensed Microsoft Office 365 for free?
If you want to activate Office 365 for free, consider creating an educational account. Most schools provide students and faculty with access to Office 365 using their school email. This way, you can take advantage of all the features of Office 365 without having to pay for a subscription.
What is an Unlicensed Product in Microsoft Word?
An unlicensed product is a copy of Microsoft Word that has not been licensed and purchased from Microsoft. An unlicensed product means that the user is not licensed to use the software and cannot use certain features and functionality of the product.
Summary
The Microsoft Word unlicensed product error is a pain to deal with, but with the effective solutions provided in this article, you can get rid of this error easily. Whether you’re checking your subscription status, renewing licenses, or ensuring proper activation, every step has been carefully designed to provide you with a straightforward solution.
We recommend WPS Office as a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to Microsoft Office, offering Word, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and many more advanced features at little to no cost.
