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How to Stop Microsoft 365 Trial Activation Prompts for Office Home & Student
Question details
The user needs to stop repeated Microsoft 365 trial activation prompts on a laptop that already includes an Office Home and Student license.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up a new laptop advertised with a permanent Office Home & Student license, but encountering constant prompts to renew or activate a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The system repeatedly asks the user to activate Microsoft 365 after a preinstalled trial expires, overriding or hiding the permanent Office Home & Student license.
Ensure you have the Microsoft account credentials associated with your Office Home & Student license before making changes to your installed applications.
Uninstall the Pre-installed Microsoft 365 Trial
Removing the conflicting Microsoft 365 trial version prevents it from overriding your permanent Office Home & Student license.
Many computer manufacturers include a pre-installed 30-day trial of Microsoft 365 on new devices. When this trial expires, it will trigger activation prompts, even if your laptop came bundled with a separate permanent license like Office Home & Student 2021. Uninstalling the trial application is the best way to resolve this conflict.
Click the Start menu and select the 'Settings' gear icon, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
Select 'Apps' from the left-hand menu, then click on 'Installed apps' (or 'Apps & features' in older Windows versions).
Scroll down the list of applications to find 'Microsoft 365'. Click the three horizontal dots next to it (or click the app name) and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove the trial software.
If Office Home & Student is already listed in your Installed Apps, open Word or Excel and log in with your Microsoft account to activate it. If it is missing, log into your Microsoft account online or use the laptop manufacturer's specific instructions to download and install it.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Licensing Headaches
If you are tired of dealing with confusing Microsoft 365 trials, expired subscriptions, and overlapping activation prompts, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to handle all your document needs without the hassle.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your laptop.
- 3. Open and Edit Immediately: Launch WPS Office to start creating or editing your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files instantly without activation roadblocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my new laptop asking me to buy Microsoft 365?
Many PC manufacturers pre-install a Microsoft 365 trial on new laptops. Even if you purchased a device with a permanent Office Home & Student license, the trial software often takes precedence and prompts you to buy a subscription when it expires.
Will I lose my saved files if I uninstall the Microsoft 365 trial?
No. Uninstalling the Microsoft 365 application only removes the software program. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations remain safely stored on your local hard drive or cloud storage.
How do I claim my included Office Home & Student license after uninstalling the trial?
Typically, you can claim your included license by signing into the Microsoft Store or a pre-installed manufacturer application, then associating the digital license with your personal Microsoft Account. Once linked, you can download the correct Home & Student version directly from your account dashboard.
