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How to Install Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps and Open Existing Files
Question details
Users need to completely transition to new Microsoft 365 desktop applications and ensure their existing documents open in the new version instead of a previous installation.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading to a new Microsoft 365 subscription, often purchased with a different Microsoft account, while an older version of Office is still installed.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft 365 installer does not automatically replace the older Office installation, and existing files continue to open using the outdated application due to legacy file associations.
Make sure you have the login credentials for the specific Microsoft account associated with your active Microsoft 365 license before removing any old software.
Clean Install Microsoft 365 and Update File Associations
Completely remove the older version of Office and clear outdated Windows credentials before installing the new Microsoft 365 desktop apps.
Microsoft 365 does not always overwrite standalone older versions of Office automatically. A clean installation prevents account conflicts and ensures your files associate properly with the new software.
Open any existing Office application to confirm which version is installed. Once confirmed, close all Office apps and sign out of your current account.
Download and run the official Microsoft Office uninstall tool. Follow the prompts to completely remove the existing legacy Office installation from your computer.
Open the Credential Manager on your computer, navigate to Windows Credentials, locate any outdated Microsoft Office or Microsoft account credentials, and select 'Remove'.
Navigate to the official Microsoft 365 portal, sign in with the correct account linked to your new subscription, and click 'Install Office' to download and run the installer.
After the installation finishes, locate an existing Office file on your computer and double-click it. It should now automatically open in the newly installed Microsoft 365 application.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Desktop Experience
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install in Seconds: Run the lightweight setup file to install the complete office suite instantly.
- 3. Open Files Instantly: Double-click any existing Office document to seamlessly open and edit it in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my documents still opening in the old version of Office?
This happens when your system's default file associations are still linked to the older software. You can fix this by right-clicking your document, selecting 'Open with', choosing the new Microsoft 365 app, and setting it as the default.
Do I need to uninstall my old Office version before installing Microsoft 365?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Microsoft 365 does not always remove older standalone versions automatically. Having multiple versions installed can lead to application conflicts and licensing errors.
Will I lose my existing files if I uninstall the old version of Office?
No. Uninstalling Microsoft Office only removes the application software itself. All your existing Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations will remain safely stored on your computer.
What should I do if the new Microsoft 365 says my product is unlicensed?
This usually indicates a conflict with old credentials. You need to sign out, remove legacy Office credentials from your computer's Credential Manager, and then sign back in with the Microsoft account attached to your active subscription.
