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How to Install and Activate Office 2021 Instead of Microsoft 365
Question details
The user needs to activate the Office 2021 version advertised with their new computer but is being forced into Microsoft 365 terms and conditions.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021 / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a new computer that supposedly includes a preinstalled Office 2021 license.
- Observed behavior
- Only Microsoft 365 appears in the system search, and launching the application prompts the user to accept Microsoft 365 trial terms instead of activating Office 2021.
Check your computer's original packaging and sales invoice to verify that a permanent Office 2021 license is included, as many new devices only come with a 30-day Microsoft 365 trial by default.
Verify Included License and Troubleshoot Activation
Use this method to confirm your preinstalled Office 2021 license is correctly linked to your Microsoft account and bypass the Microsoft 365 trial prompt.
If your computer includes a digital license for Office 2021, it is usually linked to the hardware and requires you to sign in with your Microsoft account to claim it. Sometimes, the preinstalled Microsoft 365 trial interferes with this process.
Navigate to your system Settings, open the 'Apps' section, and select 'Installed Apps'. Search for 'Office' or 'Microsoft 365' to see exactly which versions are currently installed on your computer.
Open the installed Office application and sign in using the Microsoft account you intend to associate with your permanent Office 2021 license.
If you are still prompted with Microsoft 365 terms, download and run the official Microsoft Activation Troubleshooter from the Microsoft support website to retrieve and apply your preinstalled Office 2021 license.
Remove Conflicting Microsoft 365 Licenses
Use this approach if Microsoft 365 remains the default recognized software even after claiming your Office 2021 license on the same account.
Try WPS Office: A Free and Hassle-Free Alternative
If you are struggling with confusing Microsoft 365 trial prompts, missing product keys, and activation failures, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight alternative that avoids complex licensing altogether while maintaining perfect compatibility with standard Office files.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your computer.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Double-click any existing Office document to open, edit, and save seamlessly in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my new computer show Microsoft 365 when I bought Office 2021?
Most new computers come with a preinstalled Microsoft 365 trial by default. Even if you purchased a device with an included Office 2021 license, the system may open the 365 trial until you sign in with your Microsoft account to properly claim and activate your permanent 2021 digital license.
Is it safe to uninstall Microsoft 365 if I don't have a product key?
It is safer to first verify your Office 2021 license is digitally linked to your Microsoft account. Since modern PCs use digital entitlements rather than physical product keys, you should run the Microsoft Activation Troubleshooter to confirm the license exists before removing the preinstalled Microsoft 365 software.
How do I find my preinstalled Office 2021 product key?
Modern computers typically do not include a physical 25-character product key card. Instead, the Office 2021 license is digitally embedded in the device's hardware. It becomes permanently linked to your personal Microsoft account the first time you sign into an Office app on that specific device.
