'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Remove the Wrong Microsoft Office License from an Old PC
Question details
The user needs to remove an incorrect Microsoft Office license that activates automatically and reinstall their intended Office version.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Reinstalling Office on a PC after an OS reinstallation, but the system automatically activates a different version instead of the purchased license.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2019 continues to activate automatically from saved credentials instead of the intended Office Home & Student 2016 license.
Before removing any Office applications or license files, ensure you back up your Outlook data files (.pst) and have your Microsoft account login credentials ready.
Uninstall the Incorrect Office Version and Reinstall
Identify if the wrong version of Office is installed on your system and replace it with the correct license from your Microsoft account.
Open the Start menu and go to 'Settings' > 'Apps' > 'Installed apps' to view the list of software installed on your Windows PC.
Locate Microsoft Office 2019 (or the version you do not intend to use) in the list, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select 'Uninstall'.
Sign in to your Microsoft account services page online. Navigate to 'Services & subscriptions', locate your Office 2016 license, and download the correct installer.
Use Official License Cleanup Tools
Use this method if standard uninstallation does not clear the cached license files or background credentials.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Licensing Headaches
Tired of dealing with complex Microsoft Office license limits, activation errors, and version conflicts? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative that requires no complicated setup while maintaining excellent compatibility with all your Office files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install the software: Run the installer. The lightweight package installs quickly without conflicting with previous Office files.
- 3. Open your files directly: Launch WPS Office and immediately open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents without worrying about activation barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my PC activating Office 2019 instead of Office 2016?
This usually happens if Office 2019 was previously installed and its license credentials or cached tokens were not completely wiped during the Windows reinstallation or previous uninstallation.
Will uninstalling Microsoft Office delete my documents?
No, uninstalling the Office application only removes the software from your system. Your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files will remain safely on your hard drive, though it is highly recommended to back up Outlook data files.
What should I do if I reach my device activation limit?
If you receive an error about device limits, you need to sign in to your Microsoft account online, go to your devices list, and remove the old PC to free up the license. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Microsoft Support.
