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How to Restore Microsoft Office Desktop Apps After a PC Reset
Question details
The user needs to reinstall their offline Microsoft Office desktop applications after a Windows PC reset wiped the software.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Reinstalling missing desktop applications after performing a system reset on a Windows PC.
- Observed behavior
- Previously installed offline applications like Office 2013 are gone. Clicking Word, Excel, or PowerPoint shortcuts now opens the web versions of these applications inside Microsoft Edge.
Locate your Microsoft account credentials or your original 25-character Office product key before attempting to reinstall the software.
Reinstall Office from your Microsoft Account
Use this method if you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription or a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
When you reset your Windows PC, all locally installed desktop applications are removed. The Word and Excel icons you currently see are merely default Windows shortcuts that redirect to the free Office web applications in Microsoft Edge.
To get your offline applications back, you must download and reinstall the full desktop suite from your Microsoft account.
Open your web browser and go to www.office.com. Click on 'Sign in' and enter the email address and password associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription or Office license.
From the Microsoft 365 home page, locate and click the 'Install Office' or 'Install apps' button in the upper-right corner.
Click 'Premium Office apps' to begin the download. Once the setup file is downloaded, double-click it and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Reinstall Older Office Versions using a Product Key
Use this method if your computer came with a perpetual license (like Office 2013, 2016, or 2019) and you have the original product key.
Remove the Web Application Shortcuts
Use this method to clean up your Start menu by removing the confusing shortcuts that open Office in Microsoft Edge.
Get Offline Desktop Office Apps for Free with WPS Office
If your old Office 2013 license is no longer supported or you do not want to pay for a new Microsoft 365 subscription, WPS Office provides a complete, free, and fully offline desktop productivity suite.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick setup wizard.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and immediately start opening, editing, and saving your existing Microsoft Office documents offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Word and Excel open in Microsoft Edge after a PC reset?
When you reset Windows, it uninstalls all third-party desktop applications, including Microsoft Office. The Word and Excel icons left behind are default web shortcuts that link to Microsoft's free online Office apps, which inherently open in the Edge browser.
Can I still reinstall Microsoft Office 2013?
Yes, if you have the original product key or installation media, you can reinstall Office 2013. However, Microsoft ended official support for Office 2013 in April 2023, meaning it will no longer receive technical support or critical security updates.
Do I need to buy Microsoft Office again after resetting my PC?
Not necessarily. If your PC came with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, or if you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you can reinstall it for free via office.com. If you lost your license, you might consider downloading a free offline alternative like WPS Office.
How do I find my lost Microsoft Office product key?
Check the original confirmation email from when you purchased the software, the physical packaging if bought in a retail store, or log into your Microsoft account and navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' page to see if the key is stored digitally.
