'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Why Office 2013 Remains Installed Instead of Updating to Office 2021
Question details
Users want to know why their Microsoft Office 2013 installation remains on their computer and does not automatically upgrade to Office 2021 or Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading older Office software to a newer perpetual license or subscription version.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2013 stays installed on the system because perpetual licenses do not auto-update to new versions, requiring manual removal and a separate installation of Office 2021.
Verify whether you have purchased a new Office 2021 product key or an active Microsoft 365 subscription before you decide to uninstall your older version.
Manually Uninstall Office 2013 and Install Office 2021
Remove the outdated perpetual license version of Office 2013 to prevent conflicts before installing your newly purchased Office 2021.
Office 2013 is a perpetual license. This means it is a one-time purchase that does not automatically upgrade to newer versions like Office 2021. Even though Microsoft has ended support for Office 2013, the software will remain on your device until you manually remove it.
If you have transitioned to an Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscription, the subscription updates itself, but it will not automatically delete older standalone versions like Office 2013.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and hit Enter.
Navigate to 'Programs' > 'Programs and Features'. Scroll through the list to find Microsoft Office 2013, right-click it, and select 'Uninstall'.
Go to the official Microsoft website, log in to the Microsoft account associated with your Office 2021 purchase, and download the installation file.
Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen prompts to install Office 2021 on your computer.
Upgrade to WPS Office for Free Instead of Buying Office 2021
If you are looking to upgrade from Office 2013 but want to avoid the high cost of Office 2021 or the recurring fees of Microsoft 365, WPS Office is the perfect solution. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible Office suite.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Install the software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup process.
- 3. Open your existing files: Double-click any Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file to seamlessly open and edit it in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Microsoft 365 subscription automatically remove Office 2013?
No. Installing Microsoft 365 does not automatically uninstall older perpetual versions like Office 2013. You will end up with both versions installed unless you manually remove Office 2013.
Is it safe to keep Office 2013 installed on my computer?
While the software will still function, Office 2013 has reached its end of support. It no longer receives security updates or bug fixes, which can make your system vulnerable to security risks. Upgrading is highly recommended.
Will I lose my documents if I uninstall Office 2013?
No, uninstalling the Microsoft Office software only removes the application itself. Your personal files, such as Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, are saved on your hard drive and will remain unaffected.
