Fix Office Installing Office 2016 Instead of Microsoft 365
Question details
The user intends to install Microsoft 365 or Office LTSC, but the system continuously installs Office 2016 instead, even after standard uninstallation attempts.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading or reinstalling a newer version of Microsoft Office from an assigned Microsoft 365 license.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2016 is installed repeatedly regardless of the user's intent to install Microsoft 365, and standard removal methods do not fix the version mismatch.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account or admin portal that owns the Microsoft 365 license, and save all your open work before restarting your computer.
Completely Remove Office Using the Official Uninstall Tool
Use Microsoft's official Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) to clear hidden configurations and licensing remnants of Office 2016 that cause the incorrect version to install.
Standard uninstallation from the Control Panel often leaves behind deployment configurations and registry keys. The official uninstall support tool ensures all previous Office files are completely eradicated.
Navigate to the official Microsoft download link at https://aka.ms/SaRA-officeUninstallFromPC to get the Support and Recovery Assistant.
Launch the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen prompts to install and open the application.
From the list of detected products, select 'Office 2016' and any other incorrect Office versions listed, then proceed with the removal.
Once the tool finishes removing the Office installations, restart your computer when prompted to finalize the cleanup process.
Sign in to your Microsoft account or admin portal, verify your license, and download the correct Microsoft 365 deployment package.
Verify the License Assigned to Your Account
Confirm that your Microsoft account is actually licensed for Microsoft 365, as the installer will default to older versions if the proper subscription is missing.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If you are struggling with Microsoft 365 installation loops and complex licensing issues, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, entirely free suite that installs in seconds and eliminates frustrating subscription validation errors.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install in One Click: Run the downloaded file and click 'Install' to set up the entire office suite in seconds.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and immediately open any existing Microsoft Office document with perfect formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my computer keep reinstalling Office 2016?
This happens when leftover license files, registry keys, or deployment configurations from a previous Office 2016 installation remain on your system. Standard uninstallation does not always remove these hidden triggers.
Can I use a third-party KMS uninstaller to remove Office 2016?
It is strongly advised against. Unofficial KMS uninstaller tools can introduce malware, create persistent security vulnerabilities, and severely damage your operating system's built-in licensing mechanisms.
How do I make sure I am downloading Microsoft 365 and not Office 2016?
Always initiate the download directly from the 'Services & subscriptions' page of your Microsoft account or the official Microsoft 365 Admin Portal to ensure the deployment package is tied to your active subscription.
