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Fix Office 2024 on Mac Keeps Asking to Activate Microsoft 365
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Office 2024 on Mac persistently asks to activate a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2024
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Launching Office applications like Excel after purchasing and installing a new Office 2024 license.
- Observed behavior
- The application ignores the installed Office 2024 license and prompts the user to activate a Microsoft 365 subscription due to lingering old license files.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account associated with your Office 2024 purchase, as you will need to sign back into your applications after clearing the previous licenses.
Use the Official Microsoft Office License Removal Tool
Running the license removal tool is the most effective way to clear lingering Microsoft 365 license files that conflict with your new Office 2024 installation.
When you upgrade from a Microsoft 365 subscription to a perpetual Office 2024 license, hidden license files often remain in your Mac's system folder. The official removal tool automatically finds and deletes these conflicting files without affecting your software installation.
Visit the official Microsoft Support website and download the Office license removal tool (.pkg file) for Mac.
Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen prompts to install and execute the license removal process.
Once the tool confirms the licenses have been successfully removed, close the window and restart your Mac to apply the changes.
Open Excel or Word, click 'Sign In', and enter the credentials for the Microsoft account linked to your new Office 2024 purchase to activate it.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Complex License Conflicts
If you are tired of dealing with persistent subscription prompts, license removals, and activation issues on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible and user-friendly experience without the activation headaches.
- 1. Install WPS Office for Mac: Download the official WPS Office for Mac installer from the website and drag the app into your Applications folder.
- 2. Open existing Office files: Launch WPS Office and directly open or drag-and-drop your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files into the workspace.
- 3. Edit and save seamlessly: Edit your documents using intuitive tools and save them in standard Microsoft formats to ensure perfect compatibility with other users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Mac showing Microsoft 365 when I bought Office 2024?
This happens because hidden, older Microsoft 365 license files are still stored in your Mac's system library from a previous installation. Office prioritizes these older files, triggering the subscription activation prompt instead of recognizing your new Office 2024 license.
Will removing the license files delete my Office documents?
No. The license removal tool only clears the hidden activation files stored in your system. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and the actual Office applications themselves remain completely untouched.
Do I need to uninstall Office 2024 before running the license removal tool?
No, you do not need to reinstall or uninstall your Office applications. You can simply close your Office apps, run the removal tool, restart your Mac, and sign back in to apply the correct license.
What if I still get the activation prompt after using the tool?
If the prompt persists, ensure you are signing in with the exact Microsoft account used to purchase Office 2024. You may also need to update your Office for Mac applications to the latest version via Microsoft AutoUpdate.
