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How to Stop Office 2013 from Reinstalling After Upgrading to Microsoft 365
Question details
The user wants to permanently remove Microsoft Office 2013 and prevent it from automatically reinstalling itself after system updates.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user upgraded from Office 2013 to Microsoft 365, but the older version keeps returning following Windows updates.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2013 is restoring itself automatically via background updates or organization policies, creating conflicts with the new Microsoft 365 installation.
Verify that you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials readily available, as you will need to log back in after performing a clean removal of all Office products.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to Remove Remnants
Running the official uninstall tool ensures that all hidden registry keys and leftover installer files from Office 2013 are completely eradicated.
A standard uninstallation via the Control Panel often leaves behind configuration files or Windows Installer cache items. When Windows runs an update, it detects these remnants and incorrectly assumes Office 2013 needs to be 'repaired' or reinstalled.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Support website and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (often referred to as the Office uninstall tool).
Launch the downloaded tool and select the option to completely remove all versions of Office (Option 2). Ensure you select both Office 2013 and Microsoft 365 to clear all conflicting data.
Once the tool finishes processing, reboot your PC to finalize the removal of any locked registry keys and temporary files.
Log into your Microsoft account online, download the latest Microsoft 365 installer, and perform a fresh installation.
Verify Organization Group Policies or Deployment Software
If you are using a company or school computer, an automated IT management policy may be forcing the installation of Office 2013.
Avoid Installation Conflicts with WPS Office
Struggling with background updates and overlapping Microsoft Office installations? WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that installs cleanly without interfering with your system's background processes or policies. Enjoy a seamless transition with an interface you already know.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free, lightweight installer.
- 2. Install in Seconds: Run the setup file to install the suite quickly without heavy background service requirements.
- 3. Open Existing Documents: Seamlessly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office files without formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an uninstalled version of Office 2013 keep coming back?
This usually happens because Windows Installer detects leftover registry keys or cached installer files from Office 2013 during routine Windows updates. It assumes the software is damaged and automatically 'repairs' it by reinstalling it. It can also be caused by an active IT deployment policy on managed computers.
Can I have Office 2013 and Microsoft 365 installed at the same time?
While it is technically possible in some scenarios, it is highly discouraged. Running both versions often leads to severe file association conflicts, licensing errors, and overall system instability.
What if the Microsoft uninstall tool doesn't remove Office 2013 completely?
If the automated tool fails, you may need to perform a manual uninstallation. This involves deleting the Microsoft Office folders located in 'Program Files' and manually removing specific Office registry keys using the Windows Registry Editor. Since modifying the registry is risky, always back it up before proceeding.
