How to Remove Office LTSC Licenses Before Installing Microsoft 365 on Mac
Question details
Users need to remove legacy Office LTSC licensing files from macOS to properly authenticate and activate a new Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Transitioning from a volume-licensed Office LTSC version to a user-based Microsoft 365 subscription on a Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- Office applications on Mac continue to display Office LTSC licensing information and may restrict features, even after Microsoft 365 has been freshly installed.
Ensure you have the administrator password for your Mac and verify your Microsoft 365 account credentials before removing any existing licenses.
Use the Microsoft License Removal Tool
The most effective method is to use Microsoft's official license removal tool to completely clear old LTSC licenses before installing Microsoft 365.
macOS often retains old licensing files in hidden system folders even if you drag the Office application to the Trash. The official license removal tool is required to thoroughly clean these files so the new installation prompts for activation.
Open the Finder, go to the Applications folder, and move all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to the Trash.
Download the official Microsoft Office License Removal Tool for Mac from the Microsoft Support website. Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen prompts to clear the licenses.
Click the Apple menu and select Restart. This ensures all cached licensing background processes are fully terminated.
Log in to your organization's portal or Microsoft account, download the Microsoft 365 installer for Mac, and complete the installation.
Open any Office app like Word. When prompted, sign in with your Microsoft 365 licensed account to activate the software.
Clear Old Office Credentials from Keychain Access
If activation issues persist after using the removal tool, manually clearing stored passwords in Keychain Access will resolve account conflicts.
Switch to WPS Office for Mac for a Hassle-Free Experience
Tired of dealing with complex licensing files and activation errors on your Mac? Switch to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that doesn't require complicated license management.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the WPS Office website and download the macOS version for free.
- 2. Install the app: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac still show Office LTSC after installing Microsoft 365?
macOS retains old license files in hidden system directories even after the application is uninstalled. The newly installed Microsoft 365 apps read these old files instead of prompting for your new credentials.
Will using the license removal tool delete my Word or Excel files?
No, the license removal tool only deletes the activation and licensing files associated with Microsoft Office. Your personal documents, templates, and spreadsheets remain completely safe on your Mac.
Where can I download the official Microsoft Office license removal tool?
You can download the tool directly from the official Microsoft Support website. Search for 'How to remove Office license files on a Mac' in your browser to find the official download link and instructions.
Do I need to uninstall Office LTSC before using the removal tool?
Yes, for the cleanest transition to Microsoft 365, it is recommended to move your current Office LTSC applications to the Trash before running the license removal tool.
