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How to Prevent Office 2019 from Automatically Switching to Microsoft 365 Apps
Question details
The user wants to stop Office 2019 from automatically updating and converting to the subscription-based Microsoft 365 Apps upon signing into the workstation.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019 / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Signing into a workstation that has Office 2019 installed using an account linked to a Microsoft 365 license.
- Observed behavior
- A prompt appears stating 'Office has been updated', and the perpetual Office 2019 installation automatically converts into Microsoft 365 Apps for business.
Ensure you have the original product key or account details for your Office 2019 perpetual license, as you may need to perform a quick reinstallation.
Verify Installed Version and Uninstall Microsoft 365
Check if Microsoft 365 has overwritten your Office 2019 installation in the system settings and remove it to restore the perpetual version.
When an account with a Microsoft 365 license signs into an Office 2019 application, the software may attempt to upgrade itself automatically. You must remove the subscription version before recovering your perpetual license.
Click the Start menu, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter. Navigate to 'Programs' and then click on 'Programs and Features'.
Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for 'Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise' or 'Microsoft 365 Apps for business'.
Right-click the Microsoft 365 application and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove it from your workstation.
If Office 2019 is still listed, right-click it and select 'Change', then choose 'Quick Repair'. If it is missing, reinstall Office 2019 from your original installation media.
Use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to Enforce Office 2019
Use the ODT with a specific configuration XML file to force the installation of the Office 2019 edition and block Microsoft 365.
Review Device Management and Assignment Policies
Ensure that no group policies or endpoint management policies are set to auto-deploy Microsoft 365 Apps to your workstation.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Licensing Conflicts
Tired of unpredictable subscription conversions and licensing headaches? WPS Office offers a free, perpetual-style alternative with a familiar interface that handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without forcing unwanted subscription upgrades.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick installation steps.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office to securely open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office documents without any subscription prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Office 2019 change to Microsoft 365?
This typically occurs if you sign into an Office 2019 application using a Microsoft account that carries an active Microsoft 365 subscription. The software detects the higher-tier license and attempts to upgrade your installation automatically to provide the subscription features.
Will I lose my files if I uninstall Microsoft 365 to reinstall Office 2019?
No. Uninstalling Microsoft 365 Apps via the Control Panel only removes the software application files. Your locally saved documents, spreadsheets, and presentations will remain completely intact on your hard drive.
How do I permanently disable automatic Office updates?
You can disable updates by opening any Office application (like Word), navigating to File > Account, clicking the 'Update Options' drop-down menu, and selecting 'Disable Updates'. Note that this will also prevent you from receiving important security patches.
