How to Fix Microsoft Word Sign-In Error CAA50021
Question details
The user cannot sign in to Microsoft Word due to error CAA50021, leaving the Office suite in an unlicensed state.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to activate or sign in to Microsoft 365 apps using a university or work account.
- Observed behavior
- Office displays an 'Unlicensed Product' message and throws error code CAA50021 (or sometimes 2148073494 or 29) during the license update process.
Ensure that your Windows operating system is fully updated and that you have the correct login credentials for your university or workplace Microsoft 365 account on hand.
Disconnect and Reconnect Your Work or School Account
This is the most common fix for error CAA50021. It refreshes your device's connection to your organization's Azure Active Directory.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows Settings app, then navigate to the 'Accounts' section.
Click on 'Access work or school' from the left pane (or scroll down in Windows 11). Find your university or organization account in the list.
Click on the account and select 'Disconnect'. Confirm any prompts to remove the account from your device, then restart your computer.
Go back to the 'Access work or school' settings page, click 'Connect', and sign back in using your official Microsoft 365 credentials.
Verify Subscription and Reset Activation State
Use this solution if reconnecting your account does not work. It ensures you have the correct desktop license and clears old activation data.
Create a New Windows User Profile
Creating a fresh Windows user profile can bypass deeply corrupted system settings or registry errors causing the CAA50021 issue.
Avoid Activation Errors with WPS Office
If you are tired of dealing with complex Azure AD permissions and Microsoft Office activation errors like CAA50021, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative for all your document needs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and instantly open your existing Word documents without any activation barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error CAA50021 mean in Microsoft Word?
Error CAA50021 usually indicates an authentication failure with Azure Active Directory. It means your device's registration token has expired or your organization's IT administrator has restricted device-join permissions.
Why does my Microsoft 365 say 'Unlicensed Product'?
This happens if your Microsoft 365 subscription has expired, you are using an account with only web-access permissions, or an activation error like CAA50021 is preventing Word from verifying your license with Microsoft servers.
Do I need to contact my IT administrator to fix error CAA50021?
If disconnecting and reconnecting your work or school account in Windows Settings does not fix the issue, you will likely need to contact your IT administrator. They must verify that your account has permission to join devices to Azure AD in their endpoint management portal.
