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How to Upgrade Microsoft Office 2016 to a Newer Version
Question details
The user wants to upgrade an existing Microsoft Office 2016 installation to a newer release like Office 2019, Office 2021, or Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to obtain the latest Office features from an older one-time-purchase license.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2016 receives routine security updates but does not automatically upgrade to newer major versions or provide new features for free.
Verify your Microsoft account login details and ensure you have saved any custom Outlook PST files or customized Office templates before beginning the upgrade process.
Purchase and Install a Newer Version of Microsoft Office
Since Office 2016 is a perpetual license, upgrading requires purchasing a new one-time license or a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Microsoft Office 2016 is a perpetual, one-time-purchase version. This means that while it receives vital security patches, it does not include free feature upgrades to newer editions like Office 2019, Office 2021, or Microsoft 365.
To use the newest features, you must acquire a new license or subscription and install the corresponding software from the official Microsoft website.
Visit the official Microsoft Store online and decide whether you want a modern one-time purchase (such as Office 2021) or a recurring subscription (Microsoft 365).
Complete the checkout process. The newly purchased license or subscription will automatically link to your active Microsoft account.
Open the Windows Control Panel, navigate to 'Programs and Features', select Microsoft Office 2016 from the list, and click 'Uninstall' to prevent file conflicts with the new version.
Log in to your Microsoft account online, navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab, locate your new Office purchase, and click the 'Install' button to download the setup file.
Upgrade Your Productivity for Free with WPS Office
If you don't want to pay for an expensive upgrade to Office 2021 or commit to a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, familiar interface and includes Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation tools—completely free.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen prompts to set up the software.
- 3. Open your existing documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your old Office 2016 Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade Office 2016 to Office 2019 for free?
No. Office 2016 is a one-time purchase. Moving to Office 2019 or newer requires buying a completely new license.
Will my Office 2016 stop working if I do not upgrade?
Office 2016 will continue to function normally. However, once it reaches its official end of life, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support.
Can I have Office 2016 and Microsoft 365 installed on the same computer?
While technically possible in certain scenarios, it is highly recommended to uninstall Office 2016 before installing Microsoft 365 to avoid file association errors and activation conflicts.
Does the Office Deployment Tool allow a free upgrade to Microsoft 365?
No. The Office Deployment Tool is an enterprise utility used by IT administrators for mass installations. It cannot bypass licensing requirements or grant free upgrades.
