Fix Office 2013 Showing 'Microsoft Account' Instead of Username
Question details
The user needs to restore their actual profile name and settings in Office 2013, which is stuck displaying a generic 'Microsoft Account' label.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2013
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Signing into Microsoft Office 2013 after installing it on a new computer.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2013 displays a default profile image, default settings, and the generic name 'Microsoft Account' instead of the correct user profile details.
Ensure you have your Office 2013 product key or the login credentials for your Microsoft account on hand, as you may need to reactivate your software after resolving the conflict.
Uninstall Conflicting Microsoft 365 Preinstalled Versions
New computers often come with a Microsoft 365 trial that conflicts with older Office 2013 installations, preventing your profile from syncing correctly.
When a Microsoft 365 trial is present on the same device as an Office 2013 installation, the newer software can intercept account authentication processes, causing Office 2013 to display a generic 'Microsoft Account' placeholder instead of your personal details.
Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and press Enter to open it.
Click on 'Programs', followed by 'Programs and Features' to view the list of software installed on your computer.
Scroll through the list and locate any entries named 'Microsoft 365', 'Office 365', or 'Microsoft 365 Family Trial'.
Right-click the Microsoft 365 entry and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove it from your device.
Once the trial is removed, locate your 'Microsoft Office 2013' installation in the same list, right-click it, select 'Change', and run a 'Quick Repair' to fix any broken file associations.
Verify Office 2013 License Limits
Most Office 2013 retail licenses are restricted to a single computer. Installing it on a second machine without transferring the license can cause profile sync failures.
Avoid License Conflicts with WPS Office
Dealing with outdated Office 2013 single-PC license limits and Microsoft 365 trial conflicts can be frustrating. Switch to WPS Office for a free, lightweight alternative that lets you work across multiple devices seamlessly without complicated activation issues.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the 'Free Download' button to get the installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer. The lightweight package takes only minutes to install and will not conflict with your existing software.
- 3. Open Your Files: Instantly open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents with full formatting compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Office 2013 only show 'Microsoft Account' instead of my real name?
This typically occurs when a preinstalled Microsoft 365 trial intercepts the login process on a new computer, or if the Office 2013 license fails to authenticate properly due to activation limits.
Can I install my Office 2013 license on two computers at the same time?
Generally, no. Most Office 2013 retail licenses (like Home & Student or Home & Business) are valid for one computer only. To move it to a new PC, you must first uninstall it from the original device.
How do I completely remove the Microsoft 365 trial from my new laptop?
You can uninstall it via Windows Control Panel under 'Programs and Features'. If residual files remain and continue to conflict with Office 2013, you can use the official Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) tool for a clean removal.
