How to Move Office 2013 Files and Outlook Email to Microsoft 365
Question details
The user wants to upgrade from Office Home and Business 2013 to Microsoft 365 while keeping existing files, email accounts, Outlook data, and application settings intact.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading an older Office suite to a new Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to securely transition their software and data to ensure no documents or Outlook email configurations are lost during the upgrade.
Back up your local documents and export your Outlook PST/OST data files to an external drive or cloud storage before making changes to your Office installations.
Perform a Clean Upgrade to Microsoft 365
Uninstalling Office 2013 before installing Microsoft 365 prevents software conflicts, while preserving your personal files and Outlook data.
Your email accounts and files are saved locally on your computer, meaning Microsoft 365 will automatically recognize and configure them. However, older Office versions can cause software conflicts if left installed alongside Microsoft 365.
Open the Windows Control Panel, select 'Programs and Features', right-click 'Microsoft Office 2013', and click 'Uninstall'.
Log into your Microsoft account online, download the Microsoft 365 installer, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
If older files open in Compatibility Mode, go to 'File' > 'Info' and click 'Convert' to update them to the newest format.
Delete any broken desktop shortcuts from Office 2013. Search for the new apps in the Windows Start Menu, right-click, and select 'Pin to taskbar'.
Try WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative
If you are upgrading from Office 2013 and want to avoid expensive Microsoft 365 subscription fees, WPS Office is a completely free, highly compatible alternative. It seamlessly opens your older Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files while providing a familiar user interface.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free software on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Office 2013 Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing documents. Your formatting, tables, and layouts will remain intact.
- 3. Set as Default: Configure WPS Office as your default application to automatically handle all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Outlook emails if I uninstall Office 2013?
No. Uninstalling Microsoft Office 2013 only removes the application files. Your personal files, email account configurations, and Outlook data files (PST/OST) are stored separately on your hard drive and will remain intact for Microsoft 365 to detect.
Why do my Office 2013 files say 'Compatibility Mode' in Microsoft 365?
Older documents were created using an older file structure. Microsoft 365 opens them in Compatibility Mode to prevent formatting issues. You can update the file by clicking 'File', selecting 'Info', and clicking 'Convert'.
How do I fix broken Office shortcuts on my desktop after upgrading?
Your old Office 2013 shortcuts will no longer work after uninstalling it. You can simply delete them, search for the new applications (like Word or Excel) in the Windows Start menu, right-click them, and select 'Pin to Start' or 'Pin to taskbar'.
