Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

Will an Office 2013 License Remain on Your Account After Uninstallation?

Olivia MillerOlivia Miller Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if uninstalling Microsoft Office 2013 will permanently remove the digital license from their Microsoft account.

Will an Office 2013 License Remain After Uninstallation?
Product
Microsoft Office 2013
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Preparing to upgrade to a newer version like Office 2021 and needing to uninstall the older Office 2013 application first.
Observed behavior
The user seeks confirmation that their existing Office 2013 digital license remains available and linked to their account for future reinstallation if needed.
Before you start

Ensure you know the email and password for the Microsoft account associated with your Office 2013 license before proceeding with the uninstallation.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding Office 2013 License Retention

Verify your license status online and safely uninstall the outdated Office suite without losing your digital entitlement.

Uninstalling Microsoft Office 2013 from your local computer does not delete or remove the license from your Microsoft account. The license remains permanently linked to the account you used to activate it.

While you retain the right to reinstall the software, be aware that Microsoft officially ended all extended support for Office 2013 on April 11, 2023. This means it no longer receives crucial security updates.

1
Verify your license linkage

Navigate to the Microsoft account website, log in with your credentials, and go to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab. Confirm that your Office 2013 license is listed there.

2
Locate your product key

If you originally used a 25-character product key, ensure you have it written down in case the digital verification prompts you for it during a future installation.

3
Uninstall Office 2013

Open the Windows Control Panel, select 'Programs and Features', scroll down to find 'Microsoft Office 2013', right-click it, and click 'Uninstall' to remove it from your system.

Understanding Office 2013 License Retention
End of Support Warning: Since Office 2013 is past its end-of-life date, upgrading to a newer version or a modern alternative is highly recommended to protect your device from security vulnerabilities.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Upgrade to WPS Office for a Modern, Secure Experience

If you are uninstalling an unsupported version like Office 2013 but don't want to pay for an expensive Office 2021 license, WPS Office is the perfect solution. It offers a free, secure, and modern productivity suite.

  1. 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the installer.
  2. 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite on your computer.
  3. 3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and easily open all your old Office 2013 documents with perfect formatting retention.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including legacy Office 2013 files (.doc, .xls, .ppt) and modern formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Free to download and use with a highly familiar, tabbed interface.Lightweight design ensures it runs smoothly on both older machines and brand-new PCs.Built-in PDF editor lets you easily view, edit, and convert documents.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reinstall Office 2013 if I decide I need it again?

To reinstall, sign in to your Microsoft account online, navigate to 'Services & subscriptions', locate your Microsoft Office 2013 product, and click the 'Install' button. Follow the prompts to download the setup file.

Do I need to uninstall Office 2013 before installing Office 2021?

Yes, while Windows allows multiple Office versions to coexist, it is strongly recommended to uninstall older versions like Office 2013 first to prevent file association conflicts and ensure the new installation runs smoothly.

Is it safe to continue using Office 2013?

Because Microsoft ended extended support for Office 2013 on April 11, 2023, the software no longer receives security patches. Continuing to use it may leave your computer vulnerable to new security threats.