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How to Switch from Microsoft 365 Enterprise to Office Professional 2021
Question details
The user wants to activate and use a separately purchased Office Professional 2021 instead of their work-linked Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Professional 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user has both a work Microsoft 365 account and a standalone Office 2021 license, and the Office applications default to the Microsoft 365 Enterprise license.
- Observed behavior
- Office applications are activating through the work Microsoft 365 account, preventing the user from using their separately purchased standalone Office 2021 license.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the personal Microsoft account associated with your Office Professional 2021 purchase before removing any current installations.
Uninstall Microsoft 365 and Clean Install Office 2021
The most reliable way to fix mixed licensing issues is to sign out of the work account, remove the enterprise version, and install the standalone version.
Keeping multiple Office licenses or subscriptions on the same computer often leads to activation conflicts. Removing the work subscription entirely ensures your standalone license applies correctly.
Open Word or another Office app, navigate to 'File' > 'Account' to confirm the installed product. Click 'Sign out' to remove your work Microsoft 365 account.
Open your computer's Control Panel or Settings, go to 'Apps' or 'Programs and Features', locate 'Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise', and select 'Uninstall'.
Go to the official Microsoft account page in your web browser, sign in with the personal account associated with your standalone purchase, and download the Office Professional 2021 installer.
Run the installer. Once installed, open Word, go to 'File' > 'Account', and sign in with your personal Microsoft account to activate the Office Professional 2021 license.
Change License via Office Account Settings
If both licenses are already linked to your device, you can attempt to switch the active license directly within the application's account settings.
Tired of Complex Office Licensing Rules? Try WPS Office
Dealing with mixed subscriptions, work accounts, and standalone licenses can be frustrating. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative without the complex licensing rules. Enjoy seamless formatting and a familiar interface without activation headaches.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free setup file.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the quick installation.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office to easily open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Office defaulting to my work account instead of my personal purchase?
Office applications tend to prioritize enterprise subscriptions like Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise if the work account is signed in on the device or linked in Windows settings.
Will I lose my files if I uninstall Microsoft 365 Enterprise?
No, uninstalling the Microsoft 365 applications will not delete your local files or documents. However, to access files saved exclusively to your work OneDrive, you will still need to log in to that account via the web.
Can I run both Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 on the same computer?
It is not recommended by Microsoft. Mixing a work subscription and a standalone personal license on the same installation usually leads to persistent activation conflicts and software confusion.
