'%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)
Fix Cannot Install Office 2013 Because Office Is Already Installed
Question details
The user is unable to install Microsoft Office 2013 because the installation process is blocked by a message stating that Office is already installed.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to install Office 2013 on a computer that previously had or currently has a pre-installed version of Microsoft 365 or another Office suite.
- Observed behavior
- The Office 2013 setup fails and throws an error indicating an existing Office installation, even if the user has already attempted to manually remove the previous Office components.
Ensure you have your Office 2013 product key and installation files accessible, and close all running applications before proceeding with the uninstallation of conflicting software.
Uninstall Conflicting Office Versions via Windows Settings
Use the built-in Windows Settings to manually remove any pre-installed Microsoft 365 trials or residual Office applications blocking your Office 2013 installation.
Windows 11 computers often come with Microsoft 365 pre-installed. The Office 2013 installer detects this as a conflicting version and halts the process. Manually removing all traces of Microsoft 365 through the Settings menu is the quickest way to resolve this.
Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press Windows Key + I.
Go to 'Apps' in the left-hand menu, then click on 'Installed apps' to view a list of all software on your computer.
Type 'Office' or 'Microsoft 365' into the search bar. Click the three dots next to any Microsoft Office product, select 'Uninstall', and follow the on-screen prompts.
Restart your computer to clear out active processes, then run your Office 2013 installer again.
Use the Microsoft Office Uninstall Support Tool
Run Microsoft's official uninstaller tool to forcefully remove stubborn registry keys and hidden files left behind by previous Office installations.
Avoid Installation Errors with WPS Office
Struggling with Office installation conflicts and complicated uninstallation tools? Switch to WPS Office. It is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative that installs smoothly without registry conflicts, allowing you to get back to work immediately.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install Seamlessly: Run the setup file. WPS Office installs smoothly alongside any other software without throwing 'already installed' conflicts.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files with perfect formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my computer say Office is already installed when I can't find it?
This happens when an older version of Office or a pre-installed Microsoft 365 trial was uninstalled improperly, leaving residual registry keys or background services that the Office 2013 installer detects as an active installation.
Can I run Office 2013 and Microsoft 365 on the same computer?
Generally, it is not recommended and often blocked by Microsoft. Installing two versions of Office that use different installation technologies (like MSI for older Office 2013 and Click-to-Run for Microsoft 365) causes deep system conflicts.
Will uninstalling Microsoft 365 delete my personal documents?
No. Uninstalling Microsoft 365 or any Office application only removes the software programs (Word, Excel, etc.). Your personal files, documents, and spreadsheets saved on your hard drive will remain completely safe.
