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How to Remove Microsoft 365 Trial and Restore File Associations
Question details
The user needs to remove an expired or unwanted preinstalled Microsoft 365 trial and restore default file associations to a different purchased Office edition.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening exported files from bookkeeping software or trying to view documents after a free Microsoft 365 trial has ended.
- Observed behavior
- Files automatically open in the unlicensed Microsoft 365 trial instead of the user's purchased Office software, preventing them from accessing or editing the exported files efficiently.
Make sure you have the installation media or product key for your purchased Office edition readily available, and save any open documents before proceeding with the uninstallation.
Uninstall Microsoft 365 and Repair Your Purchased Office Edition
Use the Windows Apps settings to remove the trial version, then run a quick repair on your existing Office suite to automatically restore the correct file associations.
When multiple versions of Office are installed, Windows may default to the newest installation (often a preinstalled trial). Uninstalling the trial and repairing the purchased version will re-establish the correct registry keys and defaults.
Click the Start menu, go to Settings (the gear icon), and select 'Apps'. Choose 'Apps & features' or 'Installed apps' from the menu.
Scroll through the application list to locate 'Microsoft 365'. Click on the three dots icon next to it (or click the app name) and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it.
After the uninstallation finishes, restart your computer to ensure all temporary files and background processes are completely cleared.
Return to the 'Apps & features' settings menu, find your purchased Office edition, click 'Modify', and select 'Quick Repair'. This will reassign DOCX, XLSX, and other file types to your licensed software.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant
If standard uninstallation fails to remove all traces of the trial, use Microsoft's official removal tool to thoroughly wipe the software and manually set defaults.
Replace Expired Microsoft 365 with WPS Office
If your Microsoft 365 trial has expired and you need a permanent, cost-effective solution for opening exported bookkeeping files, WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my exported Excel files still open in Microsoft 365 after my trial ended?
When installed, the Microsoft 365 trial aggressively sets itself as the default application for all Office file types. Even after the trial expires, the software remains on your computer and retains these default settings until you actively uninstall it.
Will uninstalling Microsoft 365 delete my saved documents?
No. Uninstalling the Microsoft 365 application only removes the software program from your computer. Your saved Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations remain safe and intact on your hard drive.
How do I stop OneDrive from syncing my files if it came with the trial?
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, click the gear icon to open Settings, navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab, and click 'Manage backup'. From there, you can toggle off the synchronization for your Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders.
