Microsoft 365 Error Codes

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Activation Error 29 and Expired Cached Credentials

Bushra Parveen Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to activate Microsoft 365 or use Word due to repeated 'expired cached credentials' warnings and error code 29, despite having a recently renewed and active subscription.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Activation Error 29 and Expired Cached Credentials

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to use Microsoft Word or other Microsoft 365 applications after renewing the software subscription.
Observed behavior: The applications display account errors, deactivation notices, or error code 29. Standard attempts to sign in or reinstall the Office suite often fail to resolve the credential caching issue.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 subscription is fully active in your Microsoft account dashboard online and ensure all your open documents are safely saved before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Account and Clean Reinstall Microsoft 365

Resetting the licensing service through a clean uninstallation and official reinstallation can resolve corrupted activation files.

A common cause of error code 29 is a mismatch between the installed software version and the licensing server's records. Reinstalling from the official source ensures you have the latest updates and patches.

Verify your subscription

Log into your Microsoft account online and navigate to the Subscriptions page to confirm your Microsoft 365 plan is active and not expired.

Uninstall Microsoft 365 completely

Open Windows Settings, navigate to Apps, find Microsoft 365 in the installed applications list, and click Uninstall to remove it from your device.

Reinstall from the official source

Go back to the official Microsoft 365 portal, download the newest installation package, run the setup, and sign in using the exact account linked to your purchase.

Verify Account and Clean Reinstall Microsoft 365

Account check: Make sure you are not accidentally signing in with a secondary personal or work account that does not hold the active license.

Solution 2

Clear Corrupted Cached Credentials via Registry Editor

Use this method if reinstalling fails to fix error 29, as it manually removes the conflicting credential cache.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Support for Licensing Corrections

If you are uncomfortable modifying the registry or if the error persists, official support can address backend account issues.

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
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3. Open existing Office files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files to continue working immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Microsoft 365 error code 29 mean?

Error code 29 typically indicates a problem with Microsoft 365's licensing and authentication service. It usually occurs when cached account credentials expire, become corrupted, or fail to sync properly with Microsoft's servers after a subscription renewal.

Will uninstalling Microsoft 365 delete my Word documents?

No. Uninstalling Microsoft 365 only removes the application files from your computer. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and files saved locally or in OneDrive will remain completely safe and untouched.

Is it safe to modify the Windows registry to fix Office errors?

Modifying the Windows registry carries inherent risks. While it can resolve lingering activation errors, incorrect changes can cause system instability. You should only attempt registry edits if you are comfortable with the process, follow reliable instructions, and always create a full backup of the registry beforehand.

Why does Word say my credentials expired when my subscription is active?

This happens when the Microsoft 365 applications fail to retrieve updated license information from the server and instead rely on outdated authentication tokens stored locally on your device.

Microsoft Office Error Codes