'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Microsoft 365 Error Code 44: Office Apps Cannot Be Licensed
Question details
The user is encountering Error Code 44 when attempting to license or activate Microsoft 365 applications, preventing them from editing documents despite the software working previously.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Activating or verifying the license of Microsoft 365 applications after a long period of normal functionality.
- Observed behavior
- Office applications suddenly display Error Code 44, state that they cannot be licensed, and block the user from accessing full editing features.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy and an active internet connection to verify your subscription status online.
Verify Your Microsoft 365 Subscription and License Status
Check if your Microsoft 365 license has expired or been unassigned, which is the most common cause of Error Code 44.
Error Code 44 usually indicates that the Office applications can no longer validate an active subscription. This often happens after exactly one year if an annual subscription fails to auto-renew or an organization administrator revokes the license.
Open a web browser, go to Office.com, and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Try opening Word or Excel on the web. If they work, your account still has active access to Office features.
If you are an administrator, navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin center, go to 'Billing', and click on 'Your products' or 'Subscriptions' to ensure the user's license is active.
If you are using a work or school account, contact your organization's IT administrator to confirm your license is still assigned to your profile.
Sign Out and Re-authenticate Your Account
Refreshing your login session can resolve temporary activation glitches that trigger Error Code 44.
Switch to WPS Office to Bypass Licensing Errors
If you are unable to resolve Microsoft 365 Error Code 44 or your subscription has expired, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to keep your work moving without expensive recurring licensing fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without worrying about activation barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I get Error Code 44 after using Microsoft 365 flawlessly for a year?
Error Code 44 typically appears when an annual Microsoft 365 subscription expires, auto-renew fails, or an IT administrator removes the license assigned to your account after a one-year term.
Can I still access my documents if Microsoft 365 is unlicensed?
Yes, you can usually open and view your documents in 'Read-Only' mode, but you will not be able to edit them, print them, or create new documents until the license is renewed or you switch to an alternative suite like WPS Office.
How do I check my Microsoft 365 subscription expiry date?
Log in to your Microsoft Account dashboard online, navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' section, and check the expiration date or billing status listed next to your Microsoft 365 product.
