Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

Difference Between Microsoft 365 - en-us and Microsoft 365 (Office)

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to understand the distinction between Microsoft 365 - en-us and Microsoft 365 (Office) to determine their purposes and whether they can be uninstalled.

Understanding the Difference Between Microsoft 365 - en-us and Microsoft 365 (Office)

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing installed applications and deciding which Microsoft 365 program to keep or remove from the system.
Observed behavior: Two similarly named programs, Microsoft 365 - en-us and Microsoft 365 (Office), appear in the installed applications list, causing confusion about their respective functions.

Before you start

Before making any changes to your installed programs, verify whether you primarily rely on the fully installed desktop applications (like Word and Excel) or the web-based Microsoft 365 dashboard.

Solution 1Recommended

Keep Microsoft 365 - en-us and Uninstall the Optional Dashboard

Identify the purpose of each application and safely remove the dashboard app if you already have the full desktop suite installed.

Microsoft 365 - en-us represents your locally installed, fully-featured desktop Office applications (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) tied to a paid subscription. In contrast, Microsoft 365 (Office) is merely a free dashboard application used to access OneDrive and launch web or local programs.

If you already have the full desktop suite installed, the dashboard application is entirely optional and can be removed without affecting your main productivity tools.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to 'Apps' and select 'Installed apps' or 'Apps & features'.

Locate Microsoft 365 (Office)

Scroll down or use the search bar to find 'Microsoft 365 (Office)'. This is the free dashboard application.

Uninstall the Dashboard

Click the three dots (or left-click the app) and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it.

Do Not Remove Microsoft 365 - en-us

Ensure you do not uninstall 'Microsoft 365 - en-us', as doing so will completely remove your local Word, Excel, and PowerPoint desktop applications from your computer.

Keep Microsoft 365 - en-us and Uninstall the Optional Dashboard

Safe Removal: Removing the Microsoft 365 (Office) dashboard will not delete your personal documents, OneDrive files, or the main Office desktop applications.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Simpler, Lightweight Office Suite?

If managing multiple Microsoft 365 installations and dashboard apps feels confusing, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, all-in-one workspace that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF tools in a single application without the clutter.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxAll-in-one tabbed interface replaces multiple scattered applicationsFree to use with a familiar, user-friendly layoutLightweight installation that saves hard drive space

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I accidentally uninstall Microsoft 365 - en-us?

Uninstalling 'Microsoft 365 - en-us' will remove your local desktop applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You will need to log back into your Microsoft account online and reinstall the Office suite to get them back.

Do I need Microsoft 365 (Office) to use OneDrive?

No, you do not need the dashboard app. You can access OneDrive directly through your web browser, the Windows File Explorer integration, or natively from within your local Office desktop applications.

Why are both Microsoft 365 apps installed on my computer?

Windows often pre-installs the free Microsoft 365 (Office) dashboard on new PCs. When you later download and install the full local Office suite from your subscription, it installs as 'Microsoft 365 - en-us', resulting in both appearing in your application list.

Installation & Activation