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How to Stop Microsoft 365 Activation Prompts on a New Laptop
Question details
The user wants to stop recurring Microsoft 365 activation prompts on a new laptop.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 and Office Home & Student
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up a new laptop that includes an Office Home & Student license, but encountering activation pop-ups from a preinstalled Microsoft 365 trial.
- Observed behavior
- Repeated prompts to activate or renew Microsoft 365 appear due to an expired preinstalled trial conflicting with a separately included Office license.
Verify that your new laptop explicitly includes an Office Home & Student license, and ensure you have linked it to your Microsoft account before removing any software.
Uninstall the Preinstalled Microsoft 365 Trial
Removing the expired or conflicting Microsoft 365 trial version from Windows Settings will stop the continuous activation prompts.
Many new computers come with a 30-day trial of Microsoft 365 preinstalled. If your laptop also includes a permanent Office Home & Student license, the presence of the trial version creates a conflict, leading to repeated activation requests.
Click the Start button, open Windows Settings (the gear icon), and navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to look for 'Microsoft 365' and 'Office Home & Student'.
If both applications are present, click the three-dot menu next to 'Microsoft 365' and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it completely.
Restart your computer, open any Office Home & Student application (like Word), and follow the prompts or the manufacturer's instructions to activate your permanent license.
Avoid Activation Hassles with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with expired trials and confusing activation prompts? WPS Office is a completely free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers full compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats without the complex licensing issues.
- 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 simple on-screen setup instructions.
- 3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office to instantly view, edit, or create documents without ever worrying about activation prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my new laptop asking me to buy Microsoft 365 when it includes Office?
Many new laptops come with a preinstalled trial of Microsoft 365. Even if you purchased a device with a permanent Office Home & Student license, the system often defaults to prompting you for the 365 trial until it is uninstalled.
Will I lose my files if I uninstall the Microsoft 365 trial?
No, your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations are saved on your local hard drive or cloud storage. Uninstalling the software only removes the application itself, leaving all your files intact.
How do I activate my included Office Home & Student license?
After uninstalling the conflicting Microsoft 365 trial, open an Office application like Word. You should be automatically prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account to redeem and activate the digital license linked to your new device. If this fails, consult your laptop manufacturer's specific activation instructions.
