How to Remove 32-Bit Office 2016 While Keeping 64-Bit Office
Question details
The user needs to remove leftover 32-bit components of Microsoft Office 2016 without breaking their active 64-bit installation.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A vulnerability scanner or system audit detects 32-bit Office remnants on a machine that is supposed to only run the 64-bit version of Office 2016.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft does not provide a supported method for isolating and removing only 32-bit remnants while leaving the 64-bit installation in place, causing mixed components to remain.
Ensure you have your Microsoft Office 2016 product key or your Microsoft account login details ready, as you will need to perform a complete reinstallation of the software.
Perform a Clean Uninstall and Reinstall
Since Microsoft cannot isolate and remove only the 32-bit remnants, the most reliable method is to completely remove all Office components and reinstall the 64-bit version.
Mixed architecture installations (both 32-bit and 64-bit files) happen when an older installation isn't fully removed before upgrading. The official Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant is required to wipe all existing traces of Office.
Open an Office application like Word. Go to File > Account > About Word to verify your current version and architecture.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Support website and download the Office uninstall tool (Support and Recovery Assistant).
Launch the downloaded tool, select Option 2 for Office 2016, and follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove all Office components from your PC.
Once the uninstall tool finishes its process, restart your computer to ensure all registry keys and temporary files are cleared.
Log into your Microsoft Account, navigate to your subscriptions or purchases, download the 64-bit installer, and reinstall Office.
Check for Other 32-Bit Microsoft Applications
Vulnerability scanners may detect standalone 32-bit Microsoft products and flag them as Office remnants.
Use a Third-Party Uninstaller
If the official Microsoft tool fails to remove stubborn 32-bit remnants, an advanced third-party uninstaller can force-remove the remaining files.
Avoid Complicated Installations with WPS Office
Dealing with 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Office conflicts can be frustrating and time-consuming. Switch to WPS Office, a lightweight, free office suite that avoids complex installation errors while fully supporting all major document formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Run the setup: Open the downloaded file. The unified installer handles everything automatically without bitness conflicts.
- 3. Open your existing files: Once installed, simply double-click any of your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files to instantly open and edit them in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PC show that I have both 32-bit and 64-bit Office installed?
This typically occurs if you previously installed a 32-bit version of Office and upgraded to 64-bit without completely uninstalling the old version. It can also happen if you installed standalone 32-bit applications like Microsoft Visio or Project alongside your 64-bit Office suite.
Can I manually delete 32-bit Office files from the Program Files (x86) folder?
It is highly discouraged to manually delete files from the installation folder. Doing so can corrupt the Windows Registry and cause your remaining 64-bit Office applications to crash. Always use the official Microsoft uninstall tool.
Will uninstalling Office 2016 delete my Word and Excel documents?
No, uninstalling Microsoft Office only removes the software applications. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations saved on your hard drive, desktop, or OneDrive will remain entirely untouched.
How do I check if my installed Office 2016 is 32-bit or 64-bit?
Open any Office application, such as Word or Excel. Click on File, select Account, and then click the 'About' button. The exact bitness (32-bit or 64-bit) will be listed at the top of the dialog box that appears.
