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Should You Upgrade Microsoft Office 2013 to Office 2021?
Question details
The user is evaluating whether to upgrade from the unsupported Office 2013 to Office 2021, seeking advice on license legitimacy, feature improvements, and upgrade paths.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Considering replacing an old Office 2013 installation with a newly purchased standalone Office 2021 license.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2013 has reached the end of its support lifecycle, prompting the need for a modern replacement that offers continued updates and improved functionality, while verifying the legitimacy of cheap online license purchases.
Before removing Office 2013, verify that your newly purchased Office 2021 license is a legitimate retail copy associated with your Microsoft account to avoid losing access to your office applications.
Evaluate the Upgrade and Verify Office 2021 License Legitimacy
Assess the benefits of upgrading to Office 2021 and ensure your purchased product key is valid before making the switch.
Microsoft Office 2013 has reached the end of its official support, meaning it no longer receives security updates. Upgrading to Office 2021 offers continued support on modern operating systems like Windows 11 and includes significant functional improvements, particularly in Outlook.
Keep in mind that Microsoft Office versions generally do not offer a direct 'upgrade path.' You will need to install Office 2021 as a completely separate product. Therefore, checking your license validity is a critical first step.
Log in to your Microsoft account online and navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' page. A legitimate retail purchase of Office 2021 should appear listed here and be permanently tied to your account.
If you purchased an unusually cheap 'Office Professional Plus' key online (for example, around $70), be cautious. These are often unauthorized volume licenses rather than consumer retail licenses, and Microsoft may deactivate them at any time.
Because there is no direct upgrade path, having both versions installed can cause conflicts (especially with Outlook profiles). Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office 2013, and click 'Uninstall' before installing Office 2021.
Once the old version is removed, return to your 'Services & subscriptions' page, locate your Office 2021 license, and click 'Install' to download the official installer.
Upgrade to WPS Office for a Free, Modern Experience
If you are upgrading from an outdated version of Microsoft Office and want to avoid expensive license fees or the risks of unauthorized keys, WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative. It provides a familiar interface, lightweight performance, and everything you need for document productivity.
- 1. Visit the official website: Go to the official WPS Office website using your web browser.
- 2. Download the installer: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the latest installation package.
- 3. Install and launch: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up your new office suite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my existing files if I upgrade to Office 2021?
No. Your personal documents, such as Word files and Excel spreadsheets, are stored safely on your local hard drive or cloud storage. Uninstalling Office 2013 will only remove the application itself, and Office 2021 will be able to open your existing files seamlessly.
Can I keep both Office 2013 and Office 2021 installed on the same computer?
While it is technically possible to have two different versions of Office installed simultaneously, it is highly discouraged. Doing so often leads to software conflicts, file association errors, and serious issues with Outlook data files. It is best to uninstall the older version.
Why is Microsoft Office 2013 no longer supported?
Microsoft follows a standard lifecycle policy for its software, typically offering a set number of years of mainstream and extended support. Office 2013 has reached its end of life, meaning Microsoft no longer provides technical assistance, bug fixes, or critical security updates for it.
How can I tell if my Office 2021 key is a volume license?
Volume licenses are typically meant for large organizations and are often branded as 'Office Professional Plus.' If you bought a standalone key online for a drastically reduced price and it does not link directly to your Microsoft account under 'Services & subscriptions,' it is likely an unauthorized volume license.
