'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Install Microsoft 365 Without Losing Office 2016 Files or Outlook Email
Question details
The user wants to install Microsoft 365 on a device currently running Office 2016 but is concerned about losing locally saved documents and Outlook emails during the uninstallation or upgrade process.
- Product
- Microsoft 365, Office 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading from an older, standalone version of Microsoft Office to the Microsoft 365 subscription service.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to know if Office 2016 must be uninstalled prior to installing Microsoft 365 and how to ensure their personal files and Outlook data are not deleted.
Before making any changes to your Office installation, verify the location of your Outlook data files and create a backup of your most important documents on an external drive or cloud service.
Safely Locate Outlook Data and Uninstall Office 2016
Find your Outlook email files for peace of mind, then uninstall Office 2016 safely. Uninstalling the software will not delete your personal files.
Microsoft recommends removing older versions of Office before installing Microsoft 365 to prevent file association conflicts. Removing the Office application files from your system does not erase the documents, spreadsheets, or email databases you have created.
Open Outlook 2016. Go to 'File' > 'Account Settings' > 'Account Settings'. Click on the 'Data Files' tab and write down the folder paths of your .pst and .ost files.
Ensure that Word, Excel, Outlook, and any other Office applications are completely closed before proceeding.
Open the Windows Control Panel and select 'Programs and Features' (or 'Apps & features' in Settings). Find 'Microsoft Office 2016' in the list, right-click it, and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the prompts to remove the software.
Sign in to the Microsoft 365 online portal, download the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new suite. Your existing files will open perfectly in the new applications.
Keep Office 2016 and Install Microsoft 365 Alongside It
If you strictly need both versions, you can install Microsoft 365 without removing Office 2016, though this is generally not recommended.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Upgrade Experience
If you want to avoid subscription fees and complex installation conflicts, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It opens all your existing Office 2016 documents instantly without requiring you to uninstall anything.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install in Seconds: Run the setup file. WPS Office installs rapidly and will not interfere with your current Office 2016 setup or data files.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word documents and Excel files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling Microsoft Office 2016 delete my Word and Excel files?
No. Uninstalling Microsoft Office only removes the application files necessary to run the programs. All your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations will remain safely stored on your hard drive.
Where are my Outlook PST and OST data files saved?
You can find their exact location by opening Outlook, clicking on File > Account Settings > Account Settings, and navigating to the Data Files tab. This will display the file paths for your local email backups.
Can I run Office 2016 and Microsoft 365 at the same time?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Running two versions of Microsoft Office on the same machine often leads to file association errors and conflicts when opening documents.
