Fix Microsoft 365 Trial Prompts with Faculty and Personal Accounts
Question details
The user wants to separate their personal and faculty Microsoft accounts on a new computer and stop unwanted Microsoft 365 free trial prompts from appearing in Word.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a new computer with both a personal Microsoft account and a licensed faculty account.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays the active faculty subscription but continues to prompt the user to start a free trial, causing account confusion.
Ensure you have the login credentials for your faculty account, as you may need to sign back into Office after removing the pre-installed trial software.
Uninstall the Pre-installed Microsoft 365 Trial
New computers often come with a pre-installed trial version of Microsoft 365. Uninstalling it removes the trial prompts while keeping your faculty license active.
Manufacturers frequently include a trial version of Microsoft 365 on new PCs. When you log in with a personal account that lacks a subscription, this trial version triggers upgrade prompts, even if a separate licensed faculty account is connected.
Click the Start menu and select the 'Settings' gear icon, then navigate to 'Apps' > 'Installed apps' (or 'Apps & features').
Scroll through your list of installed programs or use the search bar to find 'Microsoft 365' or 'Microsoft Office'.
Look for a version labeled as a 'Trial' or a generic pre-installed version. Click the three dots next to it (or click the app name) and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it completely.
Restart your computer. Open Word and ensure you are signed in with your faculty account to verify that the trial prompt no longer appears.
Manage Connected Accounts in Word
Ensure that Word is primarily using your licensed faculty account rather than defaulting to the personal account without a subscription.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Account and Subscription Conflicts
Tired of dealing with confusing account sign-ins, subscription conflicts, and persistent trial prompts? WPS Office offers a lightweight, free alternative that lets you edit documents seamlessly without complex account requirements.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and run it on your PC.
- 2. Open Your Files: Double-click any existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file to instantly open and edit it in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link my personal and faculty Microsoft accounts together?
No, personal Microsoft accounts and organizational or faculty accounts are maintained on completely separate databases by Microsoft and cannot be merged. You must switch between them or add both as separate connected services in your Office applications.
Will I lose my files if I uninstall the Microsoft 365 trial?
No. Your files are saved locally on your computer's hard drive or in your cloud storage (like OneDrive). Uninstalling the Microsoft 365 application only removes the software program itself, not your personal data.
Why does Word keep asking me to start a free trial when I have a license?
This usually happens because a pre-installed trial version of Microsoft 365 on a new PC is picking up your personal Microsoft account (which doesn't have an active subscription). This prompt overrides the status of your licensed faculty account until the trial software is uninstalled.
