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Why Microsoft Office Looks Like Microsoft 365 After an Update
Question details
Users notice their Microsoft Office application interface and branding have changed to resemble Microsoft 365 following a recent software update.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Office applications after a system or software update.
- Observed behavior
- The Office interface and branding display Microsoft 365 elements and logos, causing confusion about whether a perpetual license was converted into a subscription.
Before proceeding, ensure you have access to your Microsoft account credentials or the original product key associated with your perpetual Office license to verify your purchase.
Verify Your Office License and Version Information
Check your account settings within the Office application to confirm that your perpetual license is still active and has not been mistakenly replaced by a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Microsoft frequently rolls out unified UI updates across all its platforms. These updates can change the visual branding of standard Office versions to match Microsoft 365, but they do not alter the legal status of your software license.
Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your computer.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the application window, then select 'Account' (or 'Help' in some older versions) from the left-hand menu.
Look at the 'Product Information' section on the right side of the screen. Here, you will see your installed product name, license status, and version number. This confirms your perpetual license (e.g., Office Professional 2021) is still intact.
Submit Feedback and Manage Update Settings
If the unexpected branding changes disrupt your workflow, you can report the issue to Microsoft and review how future updates are applied to your software.
Switch to WPS Office for a Consistent and Free Experience
Tired of unexpected interface changes, confusing branding updates, and the push toward subscription models? WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative with a stable, familiar interface.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, launch the application.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly in WPS Office without worrying about formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did my Office perpetual license turn into a subscription?
No. A Microsoft Office software update can change the application's user interface or branding to align with Microsoft 365, but it does not convert a previously purchased perpetual license (like Office Professional) into a subscription model.
Can I revert the Office interface back to how it looked before?
Microsoft generally does not provide an official toggle to revert major user interface updates. The new branding is part of a unified design update. If the changes are disruptive, you can submit feedback directly via File > Feedback.
How do I check what version of Office I am actually running?
You can verify your installed version by opening any Office app (like Word or Excel), clicking on 'File' in the top ribbon, and selecting 'Account'. The exact product name and license type will be displayed under 'Product Information'.
Is it possible to disable automatic Office updates to prevent UI changes?
Yes. You can manage update settings by navigating to File > Account and clicking on 'Update Options'. From there, you can choose to disable updates. However, this is not recommended as it leaves your software vulnerable to security risks.
