To fully uninstall Microsoft Office before reinstalling, use the correct account, product, permissions, and destination. This guide explains the supported workflow and the checks that confirm the result.
Confirm the License and Device Requirements
Confirm the owning account, required permissions, affected files or services, and the exact outcome you need. Keep a backup when the task changes local content or removes access.
Quick Installation Path
First, open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features. Next, select the Office 2013/Microsoft 365 suite → Uninstall, and verify the final state before changing any backup or secondary account.
How to Fully Uninstall Microsoft Office Before Reinstalling

- Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features
- Select the Office 2013/Microsoft 365 suite → Uninstall
- Use the Easy Fix/uninstall troubleshooter referenced by Microsoft to completely remove Office
- Run the tool, choose to apply the fix, let it complete, then restart Windows when prompted
- Restart Windows and try the uninstall again
- Reinstall Office 2013 after an Office 2016 upgrade
After the final step, reopen the affected app, portal, file, or account page and confirm the exact status or behavior described in the title.
WPS Office: A Free Alternative for Local Office Work

WPS Office cannot directly change Microsoft-side account, billing, subscription, activation, tenant, OneDrive service, or SharePoint permission state. Those changes must be completed in the appropriate Microsoft portal.
For local productivity, WPS Office is a free Microsoft Office-compatible alternative with Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, and PDF tools. It opens and saves major formats including DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and PDF through a familiar, streamlined interface that supports a smooth everyday migration.
Test advanced macros, add-ins, external connections, sensitivity controls, and Microsoft-only cloud integrations on a copy before moving a critical workflow.
Practical Checks That Prevent a Repeat
- Record which account, app, and file owns the workflow
- Keep a verified backup before removing access, changing ownership, or replacing a local file
- Apply high-impact changes to one test item or user before expanding the scope
- Save confirmation numbers, dates, and screenshots of the final settings when they affect billing, security, or permissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start when I need to fully uninstall Microsoft Office before reinstalling?
Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features. Then select the Office 2013/Microsoft 365 suite → Uninstall.
Which installer, account, and product edition should I verify to fully uninstall Microsoft Office before reinstalling?
Select the Office 2013/Microsoft 365 suite → Uninstall. Before applying the change broadly, confirm the same condition in one representative account, file, cell, message, or device.
Why might fully uninstall Microsoft Office before reinstalling still fail after the first change?
Use the Easy Fix/uninstall troubleshooter referenced by Microsoft to completely remove Office. Keep the original data or current account state until this test produces the expected result.
Which final check proves the steps to fully uninstall Microsoft Office before reinstalling worked?
Reinstall Office 2013 after an Office 2016 upgrade. Reopen the affected app, file, or portal and confirm that the result remains in place.




