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How to Downgrade Microsoft Office and Recover Previous Documents
Question details
The user wants to remove a recently installed Microsoft 365 subscription, return to an older perpetual version of Office, and locate their existing documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reverting to a preferred older version of Office and regaining access to old files after a new installation.
- Observed behavior
- After installing a new version of Office (Microsoft 365), the user lost access to their older software version and can no longer find their previous document shortcuts.
Before uninstalling your current Microsoft 365 installation, ensure you have the product key or account details and the installation media for your older version of Office. Rest assured, your personal documents are safely stored on your device and will not be deleted during the uninstallation process.
Locate Previous Documents Using the Current Office Version
If you simply need to access your old files, they are still on your computer. You can use Windows Search and the Office Recent Files list to find them without downgrading.
Often, installing a new version of Office merely removes your old desktop shortcuts, giving the illusion that your documents are gone. You can easily find them using the built-in search features in Windows.
Click the Windows Start menu or Search bar on your taskbar and type 'Word' or 'Excel'.
Right-click the application icon in the search results and select 'Pin to taskbar' so you can easily access it later.
Launch Word from the shortcut you just created. Click on the 'Recent' tab on the home screen to find your previous documents, or use the 'Open' menu to browse your computer's folders.
Uninstall Microsoft 365 and Reinstall Older Office
If you prefer to use an older perpetual license rather than a subscription, you must manually remove the new version and reinstall the old software.
Switch to WPS Office for a Free, Perpetual Office Suite
Frustrated with mandatory Microsoft 365 subscriptions and software downgrades? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface and open all your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without worrying about version conflicts, lost shortcuts, or recurring fees.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download the free installer from the official WPS website and complete the fast installation process.
- 2. Open Your Old Documents: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and select any of your previous Microsoft Office files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling Microsoft 365 delete my personal documents?
No, uninstalling any version of Microsoft Office only removes the software application itself. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations remain safely stored on your local hard drive or cloud storage.
Why can't I find my older version of Office after installing Microsoft 365?
Installing Microsoft 365 often replaces or updates previous Office installations to prevent software conflicts. To restore the older version, you must uninstall Microsoft 365 and manually reinstall your original software using its license key.
How do I find my product key for an older version of Office?
Product keys for older Office versions are typically found on the original physical packaging, in a confirmation email from your purchase, or linked digitally to your Microsoft account under the 'Services & subscriptions' dashboard.
Can I keep both Microsoft 365 and an older Office version installed?
While it is technically possible in some specific scenarios, it is strongly recommended against installing multiple versions of Office on the same computer. Doing so often leads to file association errors, application crashes, and system conflicts.
