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How to Change the Microsoft 365 Account Linked to Office on Mac
Question details
The user needs to switch their Office installation on a Mac from an old, disabled employer account to a new personal Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Mac (macOS)
- Scenario
- Switching from a corporate Microsoft 365 subscription to a personal Microsoft 365 Family plan after the previous work account was disabled.
- Observed behavior
- Office applications continue to display the disabled employer email address as the license owner, even after entirely uninstalling and reinstalling the apps.
Ensure you have the login email and password for your new Microsoft 365 Family subscription, and fully quit all running Office applications on your Mac.
Use the Official License Removal Tool to Clear Old Activation Data
Simply dragging Office apps to the Trash does not remove hidden license files. You must clear the old activation data before signing in with your new account.
Microsoft stores activation licenses in hidden system folders. Because of this, uninstalling and reinstalling the software will not prompt a new login if the old license is still present. The safest and most effective way to clear this is using Microsoft's dedicated script.
Download the official Microsoft Office License Removal Tool for Mac from the Microsoft Support website.
Open your Mac's Downloads folder, double-click the .pkg file, and follow the installation wizard prompts.
Click 'Install' when prompted. This will run a script that safely removes your previous employer's Office licenses from your Mac's Keychain and system Library.
Once completed, open any Office app like Word. You will be prompted with the 'Get Started' screen. Sign in using your new Microsoft 365 Family email address.
Manually Delete Office Credentials from Mac Keychain
If the license removal tool does not work, you can manually delete cached Microsoft credentials stored in macOS Keychain Access.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience on Mac
Tired of dealing with complicated license removals and account switching on Microsoft 365? WPS Office offers a seamless, free, and lightweight alternative for Mac users. Enjoy highly compatible Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives without activation headaches.
- 1. Download and Install: Download the WPS Office installer for Mac from the official website and drag it to your Applications folder.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly without worrying about license prompts.
- 3. Enjoy Seamless Editing: Edit, save, and share your work using a familiar interface completely free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac still show my old employer's Microsoft 365 account after reinstalling Office?
Uninstalling Office by moving the applications to the Trash does not remove the hidden license files located in the system Library or the credentials stored in Keychain. The newly installed apps will automatically read this old activation data until it is formally cleared.
Will using the license removal tool delete my Word documents or Excel spreadsheets?
No, the license removal tool only deletes the specific files associated with software activation and account credentials. Your personal files, documents, and spreadsheets remain completely untouched on your hard drive.
How do I verify which Microsoft 365 account is currently active on my Mac?
Open any Office application like Word, click on the 'Word' menu at the top left of your screen (next to the Apple logo), and select 'About Microsoft Word'. The active license type and the email address associated with it will be displayed in the pop-up window.
What should I do if my disabled work account prevents me from accessing my locally saved files?
Your locally saved files belong to you, not the application. If Microsoft 365 is blocking access due to an expired or disabled license, you can right-click the file, select 'Open With,' and choose another compatible program like WPS Office or Apple Pages to view and edit them immediately.
