OneDrive File Issues

Will Office 2024 Delete Microsoft 365 Files and OneDrive Data?

Huda Qurayshi Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if uninstalling Microsoft 365 and moving to Office 2024 will result in the deletion of their local documents or OneDrive cloud data.

Will Office 2024 Delete Microsoft 365 Files and OneDrive Data?

Product: Microsoft 365, Office 2024, OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating from a subscription-based Microsoft 365 plan to a perpetual Office 2024 license and securing existing files.
Observed behavior: Users need assurance that local files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) remain safe, and require guidance on managing OneDrive cloud storage limits when the subscription ends.

Before you start

Ensure you have sufficient local hard drive space or an alternative cloud storage solution ready to download and back up your OneDrive files before canceling your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Solution 1Recommended

Back Up OneDrive Data and Preserve Local Files Before Transitioning

Uninstalling Microsoft 365 does not touch local files, but you must manually secure your OneDrive data before your subscription ends as Office 2024 does not automatically transfer cloud files.

Uninstalling Microsoft 365 from your computer only removes the application software. Any documents, spreadsheets, or presentations saved directly to your local hard drive will remain completely intact.

However, canceling your Microsoft 365 subscription will reduce your OneDrive storage quota. If your cloud data exceeds the free tier limit, you must back it up to prevent potential data loss.

Download Cloud-Only Files

Open your OneDrive folder on your computer or log into the OneDrive web interface. Select the files or folders stored exclusively in the cloud, right-click, and choose 'Download' to save them to your local hard drive.

Verify Local Access

Navigate to your local Documents folder and open a few Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to confirm that they are available offline and fully accessible without an internet connection.

Cancel Microsoft 365 Subscription

Once all important files are backed up locally or moved to a different cloud storage provider, log into your Microsoft account and proceed to cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Install and Use Office 2024

Install Office 2024 on your device. Open the software, go to 'File' > 'Open', and browse to your local folders to open and edit your preserved compatible files.

Back Up OneDrive Data and Preserve Local Files Before Transitioning

File Compatibility: Office 2024 will seamlessly open all standard document formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) previously created with Microsoft 365, provided they are securely saved on your local device.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Transition Smoothly with WPS Office

If you are moving away from Microsoft 365 and want to avoid the high upfront cost of Office 2024, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It offers a highly familiar interface and seamless compatibility with all your existing Microsoft Office files.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free WPS Office suite and run the installer on your computer.
2. Locate Your Backed-Up Files: Navigate to the local folder where you saved your downloaded OneDrive documents and Microsoft 365 files.
3. Open and Edit Effortlessly: Double-click your document to open it in WPS Office, or right-click, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to instantly view and edit your file without losing any formatting.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formatsFree, lightweight, and fast alternative to heavy Office suitesFamiliar user interface requires zero learning curve for transitioning usersBuilt-in robust cloud storage options to easily replace Microsoft OneDrive

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Word and Excel files be deleted if I uninstall Microsoft 365?

No. Uninstalling Microsoft 365 from your computer only removes the application software. Any locally saved documents, spreadsheets, or presentations will remain perfectly intact on your local drive.

What happens to my OneDrive files when my Microsoft 365 subscription expires?

Your OneDrive storage limit will revert to the free tier (usually 5GB). If your stored data exceeds this limit, you will not be able to upload new files, and eventually, your account may be frozen or data deleted by Microsoft. It is highly recommended to back up your files locally beforehand.

Can Office 2024 automatically sync with my old OneDrive account?

Office 2024 does not include the 1TB of premium OneDrive storage that comes with Microsoft 365. While you can still manually sign in and save files to the free tier of OneDrive, you must manage your cloud storage capacity yourself.

Do I need to convert my Microsoft 365 files to open them in Office 2024 or WPS Office?

No conversion is necessary. Both Office 2024 and WPS Office natively support the standard .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx file formats created by Microsoft 365, allowing you to open, edit, and save your existing files without formatting issues.

Document & File Issues